The flip side of gag on players

Karachi: Getting a comment or two from players is a tough task these days. Requests for interviews are turned down right away. With television channels competing with each other for better coverage.

And since money no longer is a problem, players prefer TV coverage than that from the print media.

Since the BCCI ban on Indian players, the Pakistan cricketers are reportedly minting money capitalising on the situation. According to information, some of the Pakistan cricketers have received Pakistan Rupees one lakh (Dh6, 250) for a 10-minute interview!

"Compared to the Indians, Pakistan cricketers are cheap. Rahul Dravid's rate for a three minutes interview is one lakh Indian rupees," revealed a television channel host. The BCCI gag has been a big loss for the Indian cricketers. Anil Kumble has lost nearly IRs two crores due to the ban. He was signed up by a television channel as their expert analyst for the series.

When the Indian cricketers signed their new lucrative contracts with the BCCI, little did they know that there were clauses in it prohibiting them from talking to the media and to make that extra buck.

As a result, Indian journalists could hardly get any interviews with Indian players during the two days after the Faisalabad Test.

"After the Peshwar One-dayer, there is a four-day gap for the next match. I wonder what we would be able to file during those days," remarked a worried Indian journalist.

Similarities

Karachi is similar to Mumbai. At times it is hard to believe that I am in Pakistan. Almost all the advertisements for mobiles and cold drinks are endorsed by Indian film stars. Go to any restaurant and a popular Indian Hindi film song will be playing there.

"Karachi is called the sister city of Mumbai," remarked Sallahuddin, a resident of Karachi, who has done his schooling in Mumbai.

Meanwhile the Indian cricketers' wives hardly seem interested in watching their husband's play. They go shopping instead. All of them are reportedly keen to visit Empress Market, one of the most beautiful bazaars in Karachi.

It is said to be an excellent place to look for embroidery and carved woodwork.