It was all play and no work here Wednesday as cricket-crazy residents of Lahore , the capital of Punjab province that is the Pakistani city closest to Mohali, rushed to catch the India-Pakistan clash on their TV sets, teaming up with friends and family at home or in restaurants.
"What's the great fuss about India-Pakistan match? If Pakistan loses, would there be riots in the city?" Hilary Alexander, fashion director of the Daily Telegraph who is here for the first time for the PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week, asked curiously.
Nusrat Jamil, director of Latitude PR firm, replied: "Well no, nothing like that. There might be some tyre burning on the roads. But why are you thinking like that? Let's look at it this way - if Pakistan wins, there will be celebrations on the road and you will see how much the country loves this sport."
Just like in India, several restaurants here have put up big screens out in the open. There are enough options for people to pick and choose, so no one is complaining.
Imran Khan, a banker, watched the match at his friend's place. "We are sure it will be all smiles. Indian team is no doubt better than us, but we are playing as a team, hence we are going to win," Imran told IANS. "Watching game with friends and with food and great drinks is fun. It's like having a Sunday in the middle if the week."
The excitement reached such a frenzy that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani declared half-day holiday in government offices in Punjab province while the Sindh government went a step further and announced a public holiday.
In private firms, people worked overtime Tuesday to ensure they left office Wednesday in time to catch the clash of the Titans on their television sets.
Like in India, prayers were being offered for Pakistan's win.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has announced that each member of the team would be given 25 acres of land if they qualify for the final.
The official outfit of the Pakistan cricket team was selling like hot cakes with the price of a T-shirt, normally priced between Rs.25-500, soaring to Rs.1,700.
"It just gives a feel of patriotism and that you are with the team by cheering for them. There is an immense sense of pride associated with the feel of wearing cricket team jersey. We hope we win, this will make the effort worth it," said Buram Khan, a student.
India vs Pakistan: Empty offices and full restaurants, it's midweek Sunday in Lahore
