World T20: Electric Atmosphere for Indo-Pak Tie at Eden Gardens

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Amitabh Bachchan rendering the national anthem ahead of World T20 tie between India & Pakistan at Eden Gardens. Image Source: Xtra Time

Kolkata: What an atmosphere it was at the packed Eden Gardens for the mouth watering clash between India and Pakistan in the World T20 Super 10 Group 2 match.  A capacity crowd at the Eden Gardens was greeted to a fascinating run of events leading to the start of play. Legendary cricketers like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag was felicitated before the match. Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was also felicitated by the Cricket Association of Bengal.

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Former India and Pakistan cricketers being felicitated by Cricket Association of Bengal at Eden Gardens . Image Source: Xtra Time

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan wished Pakistan ‘good luck’ and wanted Afridi and his team to maintain their winning streak at the Eden Gardens. Tendulkar, like a true diplomat, welcomed Shahid Afridi’s team in India.

He wanted to see the Pakistan team putting up a similar show like the one he was part of when they defeated India in the first ever ODI played between the two nations at this same venue by 2 wickets in 1987.

Sachin greeted the spectators at Eden Gardens by saying ” Kamon achi Kolkata, Bhalo achi” . The master blaster wished it was a fascinating match between the arch rivals.

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Electric atmosphere at Eden Gardens for the India Pakistan World T20 clash. Image Source: Xtra Time

It was an electric moment when Big B and Pakistan singer Shafqat Amanat Ali rendered national anthems for their respective countries along with the cricketers.  Bachchan sang the ‘Jana Gana Mana’ in his famous baritone voice backed by a boisterous 66,000-capacity Eden Gardens crowd while Shafqat Ali wowed the fans with ‘Qaumi Taranah’.

Earlier, rain in Kolkata threatened to play spoilsport in the blockbuster clash but relented just before the start of the match. The groundstaff worked overtime to ensure the match started on time.

Eden Gardens also passed the litmus test of hosting an International match withstanding the heavy showers before the match. Much credit should go to CAB president Sourav Ganguly who ensured all possible measures were taken for the match to start. Last time an international match between India and South Africa got washed away on October 08 for the third ODI between India and South due to an hours shower in the morning .