An unwelcome reminder

Before the beginning of the tour, Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson had stated that this series was going to be 8216;bigger8217; than the Ashes.

Before the beginning of the tour, Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson had stated that this series was going to be 8216;bigger8217; than the Ashes. However, the fervour usually associated with an Indo-Pak series was missing today, despite a 20,000 attendance at the Kotla. Still, the one thing that reminded you that the two neighbours were playing was the huge security blanket present at the stadium.

There were small groups of the Rapid Action Force personnel at every corner of the stadium. The spectators were being checked thrice before they even reached their respective gates, and as a result the queues were longer than normal.

The increased security was also a result of threats aimed at the players. Apparently letters were sent to a media house in which it clearly stated that the Pakistan team would be attacked. However, neither the BCCI nor the PCB was worried.

8220;So far, I think adequate security arrangements have been made and proper cover has been provided to the players as well as the spectators,8221; BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla stated. Pakistani media manager Ehsan Malik also said that he was happy with the arrangements that have been made by the BCCI.

Tiger by the tail

Shoaib Akhtar8217;s leopard made an appearance today too. Only this time it was in Yuvraj Singh8217;s hands. The left-hander was sitting out this match, but he did not lose his sense of humour and entertained the people nearby by punching and strangling the stuffed toy. Akhtar sat there all the while as his toy was being passed from one Indian hand to another. Let8217;s hope that they rubbed off all the luck he had in it for when India bat again.

Mali at the Kotla

On today8217;s list of big names it was ICC president Ray Mali who had decided to watch the match. His wife Peggy, who could not just get enough of the atmosphere and the Indian food, also accompanied him. She even stated her liking for former India captain Rahul Dravid.