The security concern about India's tour of Pakistan is a non-issue. The Indian cricket team is safer in Pakistan than it was when it toured the South African capital of Johannesburg or Harare in Zimbabwe.
A couple of hours after India decimated Pakistan in Lahore and levelled the five-match Limited Overs International series 2-2, India skipper Sourav Ganguly decided to celebrate the victory by dropping by Lahore's famous Food Street at Gawal Mandi for a meal.
Well past midnight, Ganguly, accompanied by two of his Bengali friends, enjoyed a sumptuous barbeque meal and, the charmer that he is, smilingly signed autographs, posed for photographs and won a lot of hearts.
As for the security blanket, there was noting of the sort, except a security guard in plainclothes.
"Ji, bahut maze se khaya Ganguly ne yaha ke kabab aur charga [Ganguly relished our kebabs and chicken]," said Iqbal, the owner of the kabab shop in Food Street.
The crowds warmed up to him despite the fact that the Pakistan team was beaten only hours ago.
Ganguly's night out assumes a lot of significance. It shows that the Indian team is enjoying its stay in Pakistan. In fact, it was also reflected on the field. The crowd behaviour and the team's willingness to soak in the city shows that sporting relations can only bring people of the two countries closer.
The thick security blanket that threatened to prevent the players from leaving their hotel rooms has eased up. Players went shopping in Peshawar for its famous chappals. In fact, Sachin Tendulkar bought over a dozen pairs. Of course, the shopkeeper did not spare the 'Little Master' and charged him a thousand rupees for a pair that actually costs just Rs. 300.
Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra bought a pair each though the former was unable to find one of his size.
After the second game in Rawalpindi, Rahul Dravid and Murali Kartik drove down from Islamabad to the ancient city of Taxila and enjoyed the experience.
Photographs: Faisal Shariff
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