Somehow, Paula and I manage to be at key world sports events even though we are not avid fans. Two years ago, we were in Madrid when Spain won the World Cup Soccer. This time, We're in Mumbai when India wins the big semi-final match of the World Cup Cricket over Pakistan. Lynne, Prabhaker and his nephew Pramod took us out to a restaurant full of local folks intently following the match on TV. Pramod continued to order Kingfishers and Indian dishes while we all slowly stuffed ourselves - thinking each dish was the last.
What a good game. I did a little homework to add to my dramatic enjoyment. Pakistan cricket has been rocked by match fixing allegations, with three top players handed lengthy bans by an International Cricket Council anti-corruption tribunal. This week, Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik - who like Joe Biden seems to have foot-in-mouth disease - apparently made remarks saying, "This time I am watching it very closely." Responding in a TV program in Kolkata, Imran Khan - former captain of Pakistan cricket team said he would keep a more vigilant eye on Rehman Malik than on the Pakistan cricket team. "If (Pakistan) cricket is to be kept away from corruption, then backing of criminal activities must be avoided at any level." This was a direct reference to corruption charges against Malik last year.
In addition, this is the first game in Indian soil between these two nations since the attacks here at the Taj Mahal Hotel perpetrated by Pakistani nationals.
The match was watched by Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on an invitation from his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh. This also was closely watched since there was some doubt in the Indian press that he would accept. There were frequent shots of the two political leaders sitting together throughout the match.
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