LAHORE: A huge festivity was witnessed during the Cricket World Cup 2011 semi-final match between Pakistan and India, with most Pakistanis sceptical of their team’s batting line-up, which resultantly cost the country a second World Cup back home.The routine activity of citizens came to a halt during the cricket match and the streets wore a deserted look. Large number of cricket fans gathered in public places including parks, restaurants and community centres where the match was being screened on LCDs and projectors, throughout in the city.The biggest event in this regard was organised at Gaddafi Stadium where thousands of cricket fans, including women and children, gathered to watch Pakistan cricket team’s quest for the World Cup, which ended in a deep disappointment.
All the government offices, banks, schools and universities were closed as a half-day holiday had been announced by the government, while public and political activities also came to a grinding halt as soon as the match begun.The traders of Hall Road and Data Darbar Market also distributed food among people, hours before the match while special prayers were also offered at mosques for Pakistan’s victory in the World Cup.The Mall, Jail Road, Canal Road, Davis Road, Mcload Road and Ferozepur Road were seen deserted. All wholesale markets witnessed a steep drop in customers, because of the match.Meanwhile, a large number of people also gathered at selected public points in the city where big projection TVs and LED screens were installed for the people to view the match live. At the Hall Road commercial centres, well-known for big outlets of electronic appliances, many dealers availed the opportunity to exhibit the picture quality of the big screen television sets they had put on display for marketing.The Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE) was also taken over by the cricket spirit, celebrating Green Shirt Day to express cricket spirit and support for Pakistan. – Dailytimes
