On War versus Cricket
After long and tiring journey I had finally reached my destination. India greeted me with pleasantly deserted streets – the final match between India and Australia in World Cricket Cup was just beginning. To remind you a friend who was supposed to be coming with me cancelled at the last moment. Many more people did the same due to the fear of war and growing anti-American sentiments. At the moment of my arrival the only anti sentiment was anti-Australian: they were beating India. The whole family of friends with whom we were staying was glued to the TV screen, which gave me a chance to sleep. When Australians score when above 300, I was waken up by our hostess: "I can't watch it any longer. Sachin Tendulkar is out. Our only hope is rain. If it starts they will cancel today's score and there will be rematch tomorrow. Let's go shopping."
The streets were still relatively empty save for a few very upset people who, like us, tried to drown they sorrow in shopping and groups of men sitting in a tight circle in front of the small TV-sets placed on the sidewalk. Some were praying. "Don't laugh. There are at least half a billion people in this country who are praying for a rain in Johannesburg right now". Then, when we were inside one of the stores, someone told the rain had begun, people started hug each other and jump with joy. Unfortunately, rain did not last long enough to stop the game. India had lost the game.
Indians are passionate about cricket as much as Brazilians about football (if not more). The government had promised tax exemptions to all cricket players, who are among the most known and rich people in India. Cricket matches between India and Pakistan induce such emotions among fans that till recently their matches had to be played in Toronto. When India beat Pakistan during this year's World Cup the celebrations were bigger than Diwali. I've been told that the sky was lit with fireworks and crackers all over the country.
Remembering fears of my friends in Kyiv about how the war would affect traveling
to India, all I could think when boarding the train: who cares about war when
India is playing cricket?!
©Lidia Bhaskar, 2003