The Oval prepares for the battle between Pakistan and India today.
While adrenaline often takes its place as the 12th man for such encounters, there might even be a 13th today, in the form of ill-memories that some Pakistan players, and fans likewise, will carry on to the field.
Little under three years ago, Pakistan’s then-captain Inzamam-ul-Haq forfeited their fourth and final Test against England after being accused, but later cleared, of ball tampering. While the PCB wrangles on, refusing to bury the past and contest MCC-endorsed result against them, Steve Elworthy, ICC World Twenty20 2009 tournament director, hopes the showdown will live up to its hype with no sour feelings on display.
‘Obviously, it’s a fantastic match and sets off the tournament really well,’ Elworthy told Dawn on the eve of the repeat of the 2007 Twenty20 final. ‘From a planning point of view, this is what we were aiming for; reliving national rivalry and attracting a huge following, unique to any world event.
‘What happened in 2006 was very unfortunate from the fans’ point of view but we need to look ahead to what will be an incredibly good match. They are both playing incredible Twenty20 cricket and who knows they could meet again as the tournament progresses.’
While both teams lost their opening warm-up matches on Monday, with a poor turnout at Lord’s and Trent Bridge, this particular warm-up has witnessed the biggest demand for tickets. With an expected full-house this afternoon, security – for fans and players – remains a talking point, especially with recent matches involving either team in England culminating in pitch invasions.
‘Well, you plan to expect the worst,’ Elworthy, who was also tournament director for the inaugural World Twenty20, said. ‘Security is always a concern and something we take very seriously. We have a very experienced security team and have measures in place to ensure it’s a safe and secure event. We are fully aware of what has happened in the past and we are not going into it with our eyes closed.’
The Oval, with its recently-installed floodlights and pulled-in boundary ropes, will witness close to 24,000 spectators providing India a last chance to regroup before commencing their title defence. For Pakistan, however, it will be a first shot at avenging the defeat in the 2007 final and doing well in a tournament that will, according to Younis Khan, bring hope and cheer for their fans.
© Faras Ghani 2009
Published in DAWN newspaper June 2, 2009
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