Cricket match keeps Puneites glued to TV

The pulsating quarterfinal World Cup cricket match between India and Australia on Thursday kept the city residents glued to their television sets. Government offices in Pune wore a deserted look on Thursday afternoon as not many visitors turned up
at the offices.

Even the roads were deserted and not many ventured into malls and markets. The staff of different departments at the Central Building said there were far less visitors in the second half on Thursday compared to other days of the week.

Cold drink vendor Mohan Chakarmane, who sits outside the gate of the Central Building, said not many turned up to quench their thirst at his stall.

The directorate of education department located at the Central Building, though witnessed full attendance, the people were taking breaks to watch the latest score.

“There were fewer calls and less visitors today. So we could keep a tab on the score through internet,’’ said one of the staff members.

Officials in the department said since the assembly session is on, they cannot take leave. Moreover, since the financial year is coming to an end, they have clear and settle the bills and complete the pending works.

Many had taken leave to watch the match on TV. “This is more or less like the final as both these teams are favourites to win the Cup,’’ said Simon D’Cunha, an employee of SKF Bearings, who was watching the match at his residence.

Bars and restaurants were buzzing with brisk business, as some of the preferred to stay away from home. “I frequent this restaurant for watching most of the cricket and the football World Cup knock-out matches,’’ said Sanjay Thorat, who had taken leave from office.

There was a surprise for many who passed by Zaheer Khan’s hotel ZK’s in Lullanagar as policemen were posted there as a precautionary measure. It may be recalled the hotel was stoned when India lost in a T20 match against South Africa in 2010.