Mobiles have been incessantly bleeping in five-star lobbies. An ear to the small instrument and a hand on the driving wheel is no unusual sight in Lahore, but it has been more on show in the last few days than ever before, presumably because of heavy betting on the quadrangular matches. Not just on results. Information on the grapevine suggests that millions would be staked on the toss tomorrow (Saturday) when the coin is flung in the air. Batting first, everyone agrees, places a team in the driving seat.

Sri Lankans were the hot favourites from the start, but the South African win on Thursday has made the final more of an open contest even though the islanders batted without Jayasuriya and two of their key bowlers. But then South Africa also rested paceman Donald. The finalists appear well equipped for overcoming odds which makes the match anybody's game, the Sri Lankans remain ahead in most people's contention. A full house is expected.

If it has been a week of hectic calculations for punters, genuine followers of the sport were also served a stroke-full feast of cricket. Spectators shouted, roared, banged plastic bottles and beat drums with every delivery. They were only disappointed by dot balls. They came to the matches with the fullest preparation for a picnic, not that there is a dearth of eatables in the stands which leave the stadium in a sorry, garbage-filled state much before the end of play. Sandwich baskets, coffee flasks and fruit are brought by most families in the more expensive enclosures while in the general and women's enclosures, traditional homemade food is mostly the menu.

The city is flooded with cricket-related banners which inundate the scene around the venue. Inside the Qadhafi Stadium, young men with their faces painted, drooled up girls, older people getting into the mood, wave flags.

With strict security arrangement setting up a formidable buffer between players and cricket enthusiasts and the teams hotel not easily accessible to all, cricketers have reliable protection from excessive attention of cricket-mad crowds. Determined admirers nevertheless find a way of reaching them.

Or other personalities converging on the provincial capital for professional or cricket interests. At the final, practically every past and present Pakistani cricketer of note is expected to be present. Always hospitable, most citizens are in an unprecedentedly generous mood. Sunil Gavaskar should be able to drive away a Pajero of his preference and no bills presented. Henry Blofeld could ask for royalty from shops selling artificial jewellry. His Sharjah originated focus on earrings has reportedly upped their sales. Among those who may not recognise Geoffrey Boycott, he has just to pronounce an 'o' to find out how much more following his insight into the sport may have won him in our part of the world than his prowess with the willow had earns when he toured the country as a cricketer.

This is not to say that foreigners and locals, commentators, experts and cricketers not mentioned here haven't made an impact. None more than Jonty Rhodes. The tournament's participants included many a famous cricketer. But it is his athletic feats in the field, plus an ever smiling and clapping presence that have made him the most popular cricketer of the tournament.