Karnataka - Bangalore   

Fans not happy with the pitch

— Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

No takers?: Though the turnout was good on the second day of the Test between India and Pakistan at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Sunday, the stand earmarked for persons with disabilities was empty.

BANGALORE: An elderly Aftab Khan leaves the stadium dismayed half an hour before the end of the day’s play on Sunday. “This pitch is too much in favour of the batsmen. There should have been some assistance to the bowlers,” said Mr. Khan, who had come all the way with his family from Peshawar in Pakistan to watch the third Test match between India and Pakistan.

“This is the first time that I have come to India expecting to see a good match. But I am disappointed to see this placid pitch.

Batsmen have to get out on their own mistake,” said Mr. Khan, who was surprised not to see a bouncy pitch, which Bangalore is known for.

Having seen the proceedings for two days, Mr. Khan has planned to leave for Kolkata on Monday to see his relatives and return to Pakistan.

Mr. Khan and his family members are a part of the Pakistani contingent, which has been invited to watch the match in Bangalore. “A few friends of mine in the Pakistan cricket team gave us the tickets to watch the match,” Mr. Khan said.

Among those who are part of the Pakistani contingent include some of those studying in Bangalore.

“Kamran Akmal (Pakistan wicket keeper) sent us the tickets through his friend,” said Irfan, who is pursuing business administration degree course here.

Irfan, an avid football fan, has come along with three of his friends.

“I came today only to spend some time with my friends. I do not like to watch a Test match,” said Mr. Irfan while applauding for the double centaury by Sourav Ganguly.

There was a huge turnout of spectators to enjoy the run feast on the second day of the match.

Practically every seat in the stadium, expect those meant for people with disabilities, were occupied.

People had to clamour for space to park their vehicles.

Many vehicles were parked on the Cubbon Park, including on the walkway adjoining the Queens Road, and also on Cunningham Road. These vehicles were apart from those parked in BRV Parade Grounds and the St. Marks Cathedral.

Every run scored by Sourav Ganguly and Irfan Pathan was cheered. There were many Mexican waves in appreciation of the records broken by Ganguly and Pathan. Some of the spectators used of their digital cameras to catch the action of Pakistani players, more so of pacer Shoaib Akhtar and opener Salman Bhat.

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