Indians at home in Lahore ahead of Big Match

India manager Amitabh Chaudhry, a DIG of Jharkhand Police, told The Sunday Express that the Indians were in a ‘perfect frame of mind’. ‘‘I don’t think there’s any pressure on the boys. We appreciate that Pakistan is a strong team, but the team is not perturbed. The whole atmosphere is completely friendly and there is complete bonhomie. There are no hassles whatsoever.’’

He sought to highlight the the ‘good reception’ the team has received since they landed in Karachi on Wednesday. They were met by Sindh Minister for Education Irfanullah Marwat and senior officials of the Sindh Cricket Association (SCA). Also present were the Director-General of Pakistan Rangers and a senior Federal government official.

‘‘They presented us with Sindh’s traditional ajraks and Sindhi caps and even the media present at the Karachi airport was very positive,’’ Chaudhry said. As the team moved from Karachi to Lahore on the same day, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) led by former Test cricketer general manager operations Zakir Khan were on hand to be with the team.

Indeed, it appears that the only sour note so far was the opening match, against Sri Lanka, which India lost. Chaudhry put it down to lack of practice, because of the lack of time. ‘‘We could have had a little more time to train. But since we landed we’ve been occupied.’’

Interaction with the public has been difficult owing to the tight schedule, but the Indian and Sri Lankan teams were feted at an iftaar party thrown by PCB officials at the team hotel. That has been the only time the under-19s have had the time to let their hair down on the three days thus far in Pakistan which has been largely so far been restricted to hotel and Gadaffi Stadium. But there are plans for a Saturday afternoon off to look at he Lahore markets and have a general look around the historical city.

‘‘Apart from Robin, all the others are on their first tour here. So we decided that there should be some time for the team to look at the historical places and even go for shopping. Who knows they might pick up something for remembrance.’’

Also slated for the India juniors is a chance to meet up with legendary Pakistani fast bowler Fazal Mahmood, for which the Indian team management has put in a request.

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