People from all walks of life plan to take the day off from work to watch India take on Pakistan in the most awaited encounter of the tournament
People from all walks of life plan to take the day off from work to watch India take on Pakistan in the most awaited encounter of the tournament
All other things can go for a tossu00a0-- that's the mantra of Bangaloreans for tomorrow when India takes on arch rivals Pakistan, in their battle for the World Cup in Mohali. People from all walks of life plan to take the day off from work to enjoy the most awaited encounter of the tournament. Manu Chandra, executive chef of Olive Beach, has decided to remain at home, as he doesn't want to miss even a single moment of what's being touted as the mini finals. 
All hail team India: Unlike offices, pubs and lounges in the city are
expected to play host to cricket crazy fans who will cheer the Men in Blue
as they take on Pakistan in the World Cup semi-final tomorrow.
Representation Pic
No match to this
"Juggling between work and the match? No way, I will be glued to the TV and will take care of all important chores beforehand," he said. Likewise, Rudresh, a cab driver from Go Cabs, plans to watch the match with his family. Besides, he has grand plans if India wins. "There is no question of going out tomorrow. If India wins, I will drive around the city with India's flag on my cab and will also take my family out for dinner at any place of their choice," he said. Considering the excitement over the upcoming match, Ignis Technologies, a city-based IT company, has changed the working hours for all 300 employees on its rolls.
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New timing
"We have already dispatched a circular to all our facilities based in the city regarding the new schedule. Employees will clock in at 7 am and can wrap up by 2.30 pm," said Nihar Ranjan Samantara, chairman of Ignis Group. "Initially we were worried about not being able to watch the match. But the company's decision has lifted our spirits. Cricket is like a religion here and we eat and sleep cricket. I think there should be an HR policy to suit recreation basics in every company," said Girish Nilange, an employee of Ignis.
Similarly, the Tech Mahindra branch near Dairy Circle plans to install a projector screen in their cafeteria. "Our 800 employees can watch the match during breaks," informed Pavan Machani, a design engineer from Tech Mahindra. He, however, would take half day off to catch up on the match.
As management of several companies know that most of their employees will either be absent tomorrow or take half day, they have installed television sets in cafeterias or in respective bays so that employees can watch the match even while working. "Several people have applied for leave. It is just fine, as we understand the importance of an Indo-Pak match," said Smitha, HR manager of Juniper Networks.
Leave it, we'll watch
However, not everyone seems to be lucky enough to get the day off. Thus, they hope to reach home before the match begins. "I will be working in the morning but will rush home before the toss. I and my friends have planned to watch the match together on a 32 inch television and that too with loads of food and beverage," said Amit Khate, a software engineer from Tieto Telecom R&D Services.
Likewise, Harish Bijoor, CEO of Harish Bijoor Consults Inc, said, "I have to attend a business meeting in Bhopal, which will start from 8 am and will continue till late in the evening. However, I'll keep checking the score regularly, as I have subscription for live TV on my iPad."
The cricket fever hasn't even spared the auto drivers in the city. "One can expect 40 per cent less autorickshaws on the roads, as most of the drivers will be watching the match," said Manjunath, president, Adarsha Auto Drivers Association.
40 Precentage of auto rickshaws that will be off the roads tomorrow
(With inputs from Prachi Sibal)
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