Pak cricket fans bat for peace at Wagah

However, despite the upbeat mood, a few were ‘upset’ about the fact that two special trains, which were supposed to bring in more cricket fans from Pakistan, were cancelled due to an accident near Lahore. ‘‘The trains have been cancelled. Many people are waiting and will now be able to reach India tomorrow only,’’ said Mian Azhar, a businessman from Lahore who arrived with his family to see the match. His children Shahzeb (7), Aurangzeb (4) and wife Shaheen are first-time visitors to India and were thrilled on being given a red carpet welcome.

Malik Tazir, sporting Pak cricket team’s official green, said he and others from his country had brought the message of love for the Indians.

Another cricket enthusiast, Mohammad Taufique, who arrived today, said besides the match, his main interest was to see the land which was home of his forefathers.

After the Customs clearance, the Pakistani fans were taken to Chandigarh in special buses. Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, Kiran Deep Singh said there were more buses reserved at Wagah for those coming later. Manveen Sandhu, Chief Coordinator of Punarjot, an NGO working for ‘peace and closer ties between the two countries, said they had stationed contingents to welcome ‘friends from Pak’ while the Hind-Pak Dosti Manch had organised free langar.

Officials here said that of the total 7,500 tickets sent to Pakistan by Punjab Cricket Association, only 3,000 were sold and more than 4,000 had been returned. ‘‘More than 1,800 people have arrived and more are on their way,’’ said S.S.Bedi, Chief Commissioner, Customs. The price of the ticket — US$35, almost Rs 2100 in Pakistan — was being cited as the main reason for the tickets not being fully sold, said officials.