IND VS PAK 2017: Game on, for Puneites : cricket

The mother of all cricket matches is undoubtedly an India vs Pakistan face-off. The famous rivalry dates back a long time and even today, a cricket clash between the two nations invites huge attention. The Champions Trophy match today is no different, so much so that Puneites are ditching their holiday outing plans to watch the game.

Some have even let go off work to focus on the match. Prashant Kamble, a sound engineer, says, "I had an event tomorrow but have asked my colleague to cover for me. I will be enjoying the match with my family." Ditto is the case with Dnyaneshwar Kulkarni, an advocate. He informs, "Though Sundays are busy for me, I will be distributing work amongst colleagues so that I can finish before the match begins."

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 20122013 and this has certainly put pressure on Team India. Fans have high hopes and are praying for India to win. "I am alright even if India fails to win the Champions Trophy. But I will be very disappointed if we lose today's game," says Mahek Rajan, a student. Another cricket buff, IT professional Shardul Mantri, says, "Thank God the match falls on a Sunday.

"I am going out with my friends to a sports bar to watch it and am really keeping my fingers crossed for this match. The winning trophy doesn't matter to me, as much as winning this match does, "adds Shardul.

Like him, youngsters have made plans to catch the match with their friends. "We friends will be getting together at friend's cake shop to watch the match. It is better to watch it with a group. The josh and entertainment the match. It is better to watch it with a group. T level goes up that way," says Omkar Kondhalkar, a student. Others, like Pratik Mardhekar, an engineering student, have even cancelled weekend trips to witness the epic match with friends.

"I have cancelled outing with friends and annual social program has been postpone for the match. Instead we friends will be getting together to enjoy a match," reveals Pratik Mardhekar, an engineering student.