Spectators in festive mood (29 January 1999)

29 January 1999

Spectators in festive mood

By Our Special Representative

CHENNAI (India), Jan 28: Chennai came to a standstill as Pakistan began their first Test on the Indian soil in 12 years on Thursday. In the morning at about 8:30 a.m., it appeared that the entire city had thronged the stadium as there were heads all around the stadium. The mood of the spectators was festive and later in the day they enjoyed every second of the day's proceedings.

The spectators clapped and backed their side to the limits but didn't hesitate in appreciating any good stroke played by a Pakistani. Yousuf Youhana and Moin Khan received standing ovations when they completed their half centuries and the two batsmen showed great gesture by acknowledging their appreciation by raising their bats pointing towards every stand.

All the roads leading to the stadium were blocked from at least one kilometre but still the cricket-crazy people of this city took all the pains to stand in long queues under heat and humidity.

The security itself was very tight as there were policemen outside the ground and gun-totting commandos in blue khakis in the stands. Every spectator was thoroughly searched before being allowed entry. All the throw-able objects, including eatables, were confiscated.

None of the spectators were allowed entry with anything in black. A few spectators who were wearing black shirts were told to take them off before being allowed in.

"Black is a sign of enemy and this series is a billed as series for friendship," said a teenager who took seat in an expensive stand bare chested.

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