Calcutta greets Pakistani players (17 February 1999)

17 February 1999

Calcutta greets Pakistani players

Our Special Representative

CALCUTTA, Feb 16: Calcutta presented a completely different look as compared to New Delhi as Pakistan and India made history by contesting the Asian Test Championship opener at the Eden Gardens.

Welcome and heart-warming banners had been posted all around the Eden Gardens and main roads leading to the magnificent looking stadium.

""We welcome you and look forward you to playing here regularly," said one banner. "Cricket brings harmony and we want that," stated another.

"Calcutta doors are always open for the Pakistan cricket team," remarked another banner just outside the main entrance of the Eden Gardens. The most taunting banner with reference to Shiv Sena threat was: "Cricket pitch is for playing, not for digging."

Cricket enthusiasts from all walks of life had thronged the Eden Gardens as early at 8:30 a.m. (Indian time) to watch the Test being billed here as the series decider. Such systematic was the plan that there was no hiccups entry the stadium. The organizers had prepared passages to different stands with the names and gates of the enclosure mounted at the top of the only entry point. The spectators entered the passages according to the number or names of the stands and landed just outside their pavilion.

The security was tight but didn't bother the spectators or the spectators despite conducting regulation physical checks. Though the boundary line was just three yards , the enthusiasts were allowed to eatables and drinkable inside the crowd.

Hats off to the Calcutta crowd which showed true cricketing awareness but appreciating both the teams equally. They cheered every Pakistani wicket that fell and clapped with force when a boundary was struck. Moin Khan received a standing ovation when he completed his fighting half century.

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)