Holiday declared in Mumbai

However,school examinations will be held on schedule and officials involved in conducting exams will be on duty.

After India trounced Pakistan in the semi-final at Mohali,the excitement has peaked for the final match to be played between India and Sri Lanka in Mumbai,with the Maharashtra government joining in by declaring a holiday for its employees in the metropolis. The state government declared a holiday in two districts Mumbai city and Mumbai suburbs on Saturday. However,school examinations will be held on schedule and officials involved in conducting exams will be on duty.

Legislators seek more passes

In the Maharashtra Assembly,Speaker Dilip Walse Patil congratulated the Indian cricket team for its victory over Pakistan and extended best wishes for the final match. Leader of the Opposition Eknath Khadse demanded more tickets for legislators and said they were willing to pay for them. The ICC has issued 250 tickets for members of the legislature,but with 366 members 288 MLAs and 78 MLCs,they sought more passes. Legislators were also miffed that the tickets were not for the stand they wanted to sit in. Minister for Revenue Balasaheb Thorat said: They have given us the same number of tickets as they had given during the earlier matches. We think the MLAs should all get a ticket and some of them are willing to pay for it. The talks are on with the ICC.

No VIP seat,Mayor miffed

SOURCES in the BMC said Mayor Shraddha Jadhav is reportedly unhappy with the seat she was allotted and may return her ticket to the Mumbai Cricket Association MCA. At least 24 tickets,two each for the group leaders,committee chairmen,deputy mayor and mayor,were handed over by the MCA. While most have accepted the tickets,Jadhav reportedly wanted to view the match from the VIP enclosure. She had earlier requested MCA officials for free passes for all corporators,some senior officials and a few mediapersons. She had also asked for a separate gallery that can accommodate about 300-350 people.

Flights to city cost much more

Those making last-minute plans to reach Mumbai city are ready to pay even a 30 per cent premium on air fares,travel agents and airline sources said. The price of a Delhi-Mumbai flight ticket after Indias victory in the semi-final match on Wednesday has soared up to Rs 10,000 from the normal Rs 4,000-5,000. On the Kolkata-Mumbai sector,the current fare levels are Rs 8,000 from the earlier Rs 5,000. Even the Ahmedabad-Mumbai sector is seeing a rise in fares at Rs 3,000, said Rajesh Rateria,chairperson,Travel Agents Association of India,Western Region.