New Delhi:
The cricket diplomacy initiative is making huge strides.
Officials confirm that Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Yousuf Gilani will head to the pitch at the Mohali stadium today to formally shake hands with both cricket teams before India and Pakistan begin what's being described as "the final before the final."
Dr Singh will personally receive Mr Gilani and his entourage at Mohali. Mr Gilani is flying into Chandigarh on an Indian Air Force plane. He will be accompanied by several ministers including Interior Minister Rehman Malik.
(Read: Pak wants to 'fully utilize' cricket diplomacy)Both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are accompanying Dr Singh for the match. Dr Singh is also hosting a dinner at the stadium after the match finishes.
(Read)Last week, Dr Singh invited Prime Minister Gilani and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to watch the match with.
The pressure on both teams is sweltering with frenetic fans hitting fever pitch.
(Watch)Tickets are selling on the black market for upto Rs 1.25 lakh - and there are still more takers than sellers. Rs 1 lakh crore has been placed in bets on the match, say bookies.
TEAM MANMOHAN AT MOHALI
Sonia Gandhi, UPA chairperson
Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP
Shiv Shankar Menon, National Security Advisor
Nirupama Rao, Foreign Secretary
TKA Nair, Principal Secy to PM
TEAM GILANI AT MOHALI
Rehman Malik, Interior Minister
Sherry Rehman, PPP legislator
Sports Minister Shaukatullah
Firdous Awan, Information Minister
Several other ministers, politicians