The incident of writer Saadat Hasan Minto, who died 56 years ago due to a seizure while listening to radio commentary of a Test between Pakistan and India, may well define the intensity of matches played between the rivals.
But the hype of today’s semi-final is, without doubt, several times more than that Test as masses from top dignitaries to a common man are only talking about the match.
The invitation to Pakistan Prime Minister Gilani failed to reduce the debate as to which team is better. The war of words had begun much earlier such as the argument between former captains – Aamir Sohail and Ravi Shastri – that took place during a show on television as both advocated their national teams.
As tempers flared, die-hard fans, but with weak hearts, have been asked to play it cool to avoid any possible shock as the match draws near its end.
Experts believe the factor of over-excitement may pose a threat for cardiac patients. “It’s more than just a game,” doctor Tahir Sagheer, a senior consultant at the National Institute of Cardio Vascular Disease (NICVD), told The Express Tribune. “The media hype and the risk for cardiac patients can’t be ruled out.”
The expert, however, has not asked them to avoid the match but advised them to take precautions.
Another consultant at the NICVD said cases of cardiac arrest due to excitement in cricket matches are rare.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2011.
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