Zeenews Bureau
Mumbai: The battle of nerves won, it’s now the final war for glory in Mumbai. And the who’s who of not just the western metropolis but the country would be in town to watch the grand finale of the Cricket World Cup 2011.
While the India-Pakistan semi-final at Mohali had the Prime Ministers of the two nations practice cricket diplomacy, the Mumbai final will be witnessed by the Presidents of India and Sri Lanka – the two teams vying for ultimate glory.
Leading the VIP pack at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium would be Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka and her husband Robert Vadra.
Also watching the match from the VIP gallery would be three state Governors, 35 Union ministers and seven chief ministers.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and his deputy Ajit Pawar would obviously be in attendance, alongwith most members of the state cabinet, at the match that would reveal whether Dhoni’s men can repeat the feat achieved by Kapil and his tigers 28 years ago.
Among the other VIPs to travel to Wankhede include Murli Deora, Vilasrao Deshmukh, Praful Patel, Digamber Kamat, LK Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and Narendra Modi.
It’s not just the VIPs making a beeline at Wankhede. The who’s who of India Inc will also be among the high-profile spectators at the stadium. Reports said upto 40 corporate boxes have been booked at an average price of Rs 3.75 crore per box.
Reliance Industries’ Mukesh Ambani has booked three corporate boxes. The other notable corporate faces expected to be present at the Final venue include FICCI president and Bharti Enterprises’ vice-chairman and MD Rajan Bharti Mittal; head of the Bajaj Group, Rahul Bajaj; TCS top guns; Essar’s Ruias; Fortis Group promoters Malvinder and Shivinder Singh; Kingfisher honchos; Hero Honda’s Pawan Munjal; ad man Piyush Pandey; PVR’s Ajay Bijli etc. The list seems to be endless.
Leading the Bollywood brigade at Wankhede would be Aamir Khan, who in fact will be dressed in the same clothes that he worn at the India-Pakistan semi-final.
Shahrukh Khan who had earlier committed to stand witness of the India’s anticipated victory over the Lankans, as per reports, has dropped the plan owing to a toe problem and would be catching the excitement from his home.
“Dabang” Salman Khan may also just turn up.
Other Bollywood stars expected to be there to cheer Team India include Suniel Shetty, Lara Dutta, Minisha Lamba, Imran Khan, Dino Morea and Tussar Kapoor.
