Misbah-ul Haq had just checked in and was collecting his room key from the hotel reception when he realised that the atmosphere around was tense. He, along with the Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited team members from Pakistan, stood blinking in disbelief as news filtered in that several blasts had rocked Delhi.

Realising the gravity of the situation and talking in hushed voices, concern was writ large on their faces. Saturday night was spent watching television to keep them abreast with the news and answering calls from home.

“We have been told not to say anything about the whole situation,” was all that Misbah said.

The Mohammad Nissar Trophy match, though, will be played as per schedule on Monday with both teams — Delhi and the visitors — expressing concern, condemning the blasts and reiterating that the show must go on.

“I got the news immediately after we entered our rooms and it was shocking. We have come here to play cricket, khuda ka shukr hai zyaada jaane nahi gayi. (Thank god, the number of casualties is not much),” manager Saadat Ali Khan told The Indian Express.

Show of solidarity

“From our side, we want to convey our sympathy to those killed and injured. The match is very much on, and we will practice in the afternoon tomorrow. As of now, nobody from the Indian board has contacted us, but we will tell them that the match will be played,” he added.

... contd.