India vs Pakistan Semi Final bigger than final of ICC World Cup 2011 ?

It seems that the semi final between arch rivals India and Pakistan is even bigger than the final of ICC World Cup 2011. After it was scheduled, the whole nation couldn't find anything else to talk about, some companies have declared holidays to give a treat to their employees and big names including politicians & tycoons are seeking permissions for their jets to land in Mohali to witness the mother of all clashes in this Maha Kumb of cricket.

With the scale of the match has gone so big, there is no wonder that the amount of money being bet is also huge. While bookies are refusing to hazard a guess as to the amount being wagered, sources said that the money bet on Wednesday’s match is easily more than all the money bet on India’s matches in the World Cup so far.

“This is big, India and Pakistan have not played for a long while, and so everyone is betting on it. Even those who don’t usually bet are calling the punters and putting in Rs.50,000 to Rs.5 lakh,” said a bookie on condition of anonymity.

The punters said that India was the overwhelming favourite to win the match and the rates reflect that. Bookies have slotted India at 58 paise while Pak is at Rs1.60. So if one bets Rs.100 on India and they win, one would get 58 paise on every rupee.

Similarly, if one puts Rs.100 on Pak and they win, one would get Rs.2.60 for every rupee. “These are home conditions, our batting is strong, we have been favourites from the beginning and the team has not disappointed.

“India has played well. Against England, they managed to tie a match that could have been lost. We played well against South Africa but lost the match in the last over.

“Pakistan, on the other hand, have not been challenged as strongly. They did win against Australia but it is not given much importance. Similarly, the win against Sri Lanka does not matter as they did not have Lasith Malinga in their team,” said a bookie.

Interestingly, he added that there are many ‘patriotic’ punters who would bet on India even if the team was not in a good position.

“There are many deshbhakt (patriotic) Indian punters who always bet on a match involving India and Pakistan. “It wouldn’t matter if India was playing on a docile wicket in Sharjah on a Friday or in a fast-bowler friendly wicket in Rawalpindi, they would still bet all their money on India if they were playing against Pakistan. That’s how it goes and that’s how it has always been,”said the bookie.

Dhoni in the match presentation ceremony against Australia mentioned that people would now be of the view that Team India shall win semi final and it wouldn't matter if they do not bring the cup home, but the skipper clarified that every game is equally important and there is no better thing than lifting the prestigious trophy of cricket.