Big screens, special menu: Cricket fever grips eateries ahead of India-Pak clash

Big screens, life-size cutouts and special menus, hotel and restaurant owners in the city are pulling out all stops to draw cricket enthusiasts in for the India-Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy showdown.

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The tournament got underway in Pakistan today, but the real inferno of the 19-day fiesta will be held on February 23 when India take on arch rivals Pakistan. The match is scheduled to be held at Dubai International Stadium, but the local hoteliers, pubs and bars are already getting ready for showcasing the match live to the local fans with a special menu and a finicky ‘cricketing’ environment.

“We have a special menu for the fans coming to enjoy the ICC Champions trophy matches, but India-Pakistan is something everyone waits for. We have named some dishes on the sport, and also came up with special offers for the February 23 match,” said Ankit Gupta, president, Chandigarh Hospitality Association.

“A majority of hotels are screening the matches live and special arrangements have been made to create a lively atmosphere,” he added. Not only the hotels and pubs, but market associations are also planning to install giant screens to showcase the India-Pakistan match live. However, sources claimed that the UT Administration, considering the security aspect, will be issuing special permissions to market associations to screen the match live in open.

“All the units (hotels) will be screening the matches live. Since the match is in Dubai and there’s no time zone gap, it’s convenient for everyone. Apart from live telecasting, different outlets will have different things to offer for the local cricketing buffs,” said Manmohan Singh, chairperson, Hotel Industry Association of Chandigarh.

“We will be having a cricket based special menu, a big screen and theme (Indian team) based decoration at our venture. Such occasions don’t come regularly and we should offer our customers to enjoy at their best,” said Puneet Gupta, director of a Sector-7 restaurant.

Sources privy to the developments, meanwhile, said the police are also making elaborate arrangements to maintain law and order.

Mohali, Pkula also plan for the ‘Big Day’

Hostels in Mohali and Panchkula are also gearing up for the big day, with various outlets coming up with special offers.

“It will be an exciting day. Our friend group usually catches up on Sundays and the India-Pakistan match will be a treat to watch. Since the pubs and hostels are offering such environment, we will surely be enjoying the match at a local venue,” said Varun Kapila, a Mohali based cricket enthusiast.

Vinay Kumar, general manger, of a Zirakpur establishment noted the appeal that cricket and such a big match has, saying, “The sport attracts attention of every Indian and the India-Pakistan match at such a big platform is something every fan would love to enjoy in a group atmosphere.”