KARACHI While relations between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India are tense off pitch, some fans and cricket greats hope the Champions Trophy will bring the nations closer.

Come Wednesday, Indians will be cheering for a Pakistan win against Australia in the Group A clash of the Champions Trophy in South Africa, a victory that could also propel India to the semi-finals.

If Pakistan wins at Centurion, arch-rivals India -- currently third in their group -- may sneak through to the semi-final on points.

"It is interesting. The whole of India will be praying for a Pakistan win for a change," said former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja.

"I think it's a God-given opportunity for both the countries and with Indian fans praying for a Pakistan win, I hope that both the countries take this opportunity to come close to each other."

Pakistan, who have never won the biennial Champions Trophy, qualified for the semi-finals after beating the West Indies by five wickets and India by 54 runs in victories that sparked jubilation across Pakistan.

India, who shared the Trophy with Sri Lanka in 2002, are battling to remain in the tournament after their important match against Australia was rained off at Centurion on Monday, resulting in a draw.

Australia, the defending champions, have three points to India's one.

While Raja remains positive, some of his country's fans may be hoping for a Pakistan loss to deny India a run at the championship, while others are itching for the excitement of a potential India-Pakistan final.

"I wish Pakistan beat Australia and then we have an Indo-Pak final and we beat our rivals once again," said fan Arsal Siddiqui.

Former paceman Sarfraz Nawaz hopes Pakistan do not go easy on Australia.

"It's India's fate and I would celebrate if India goes out of the event," said Nawaz. "But Pakistan must beat Australia to carry a winning momentum."

Regardless of the outcome Wednesday, Raja hopes for a resumption of the Pakistan-India bilateral series, which New Delhi called off after blaming Pakistan-based militants for the Mumbai attacks last November.

The attacks further strained tensions between the neighbours, and stalled a fragile four-year peace process between the South Asian foes.

"It is for the good of international cricket that Pakistan and India continue to play each other," said Raja.

India were due to play three Tests and five one-day matches in Pakistan this year.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt said earlier this week that he was pushing for a revival of the India-Pakistan series, and said he had assurances from the International Cricket Council that it could be held on neutral ground.

The two countries, which gained independence from British rule and split in the 1947 partition, have fought three bitter territorial wars.

India and Pakistan's foreign ministers met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting last week, generating hopes for a resumption of stalled peace talks.

But the shadow of Mumbai loomed heavy, with India's SM Krishna urging his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi to speed up investigation of Pakistani militants responsible for the siege which left 166 people dead.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g6afZD2vxkhI88dSYxXu_OHDXkDQ

I hope Pakistan lose

and send the chimps home... nothings better than to see 1.5 billion veggie eatin indians p1ssed!

Go Pakiland! GO GO GO!

I heard Pakistan will be fielding a second string side against those racist kangaroos...is it true?

I hope Pakistan dont even turn up

Mohammed Asif, Misbah and Fawad alam will probably play.

This is the only game where I hope Aussies beat Pakistan.

KARACHI: Out-of-favour Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar wants arch-rival India to reach the semi-final of the ICC

Champions Trophy so that the
event does not lose its charm and interest.

"I would like to see India qualify for the semi-finals tomorrow because their presence will make the tournament more interesting and colourful and we might even end up with a Indo-Pak final which could be a super boost for One-day cricket," Shoaib said on Tuesday.

Akhtar, who was not picked for the Champions Trophy, said India could beat West Indies by a big margin and qualify for the semi-finals despite their disappointing form.

"There is no doubt that at the moment India is short on confidence and Pakistan is high on confidence. But India can change things.

"India is capable of beating the under strength West Indian side by a margin of more than 100 runs. And if they qualify for the semi-finals I think we will see a totally different Indian team in the knock-out stage," he said.

Akhtar said India could become a danger for the other teams if they reach the semi-finals as their body language and performances would definitely change for better and they would be a different side in the knock-out stage.

"Naturally I would love to see Pakistan win the Champions Trophy because that is my team but India must also remain in the competition because they bring value to the competition," he said.

Akhtar said it was ironic that Indian fans were on Tuesday praying for the success of the Pakistan team against Australia so that their team could have a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.

"This is why they say cricket is a funny old game," he joked.

Akhtar said it was important for Pakistan to continue their winning momentum against Australia on Wednesday as beating a top side upped the morale of any team.

"I think tomorrow's match will decide whether Pakistan has the ability to go all the way to win the tournament," he added.

Akhtar also felt that Pakistan needed to rest pacer, Umar Gul against Australia since he was looking tired and needed a well deserved rest.

"I just fear if they persist with him he can break down in coming series," he said.

Akhtar felt off-spinner Saeed Ajmal was still not being properly utilised yet and he could play a decisive role against Australia.

"The Australians don't like him and the best way to disturb them is to give Saeed a leading bowling role in the match," he said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/champions-trophy-2009/top-stories/I-want-India-to-reach-semis-Akhtar/articleshow/5069279.cms

Looks like he wants an IPL/ICL slot next year?!

hes just bitter.... the pot head doesnt know what hes saying half the time

younis khan is also saying the same, i guess younis khan is also a pot-head.

IPL pays their food bills, so obviously they will say good things about India




colours of Kaziranga

YOU ALL KNOW WHAT THAT SMILE MEANS HAHAHAHAH

^what does it mean arse-anal?




colours of Kaziranga