Millions Watched the Cricket Final Match Between India and Pakistan - 2004-03-24

Millions of people in South Asia gathered in front of their televisions to watch the final and decisive cricket match between India and Pakistan. India won this match, thereby emerging victorious in this round of the tournament by winning three out of five matches. India had not played in Pakistan for 14 years due to political issues and historical animosity between the two countries. In a large tent set up in one of the parks in New Delhi, dozens of people gathered in front of a big screen to watch the final game between the two teams. Many either left work early or did not show up at all to be able to watch this match live. One of them, a computer engineer, said, 'Because this match is the final between the two teams, it is very important, and overall watching this match is more interesting than working.' Across India, government offices and the private sector were shut down, as most employees went to parks, restaurants, theaters, cinemas, or stayed home to watch the match, which was held in Lahore, Pakistan. India and Pakistan are two long-standing enemies, both politically and in cricket. They have gone to war twice over Kashmir. Their animosity has also led to competition for superiority in nuclear weapons technology. Another supporter of the Indian team expressed happiness at the establishment of these matches, as it helps to bring the two countries closer and reduce animosity. He added, 'This is a very good opportunity for the people of the two countries to come closer and express their feelings to each other.' It is scheduled that India and Pakistan will hold another series of matches starting next Monday.