Tuesday's Cricket World Cup gossip

India will come to a standstill to support their heroes against Pakistan

Indian news channels will be allowed to attend their semi-final against Pakistan after the ICC agreed a 24-hour truce in an ongoing dispute with non-rights holders.

India will come to a standstill on Wednesday as the cricket-mad country cheers on the national team in the World Cup semi-final against Pakistan.

Shops will be shut early, people will call in sick and even cancel doctor's appointments so they can watch the clash with their old rivals.

"I might work until 12pm. After that my cab may break down", Mumbai cab driver Sham Kesh said, tongue firmly in cheek. (Reuters)

The Indian team are putting their faith in a South African explorer to inspire them to victory on Wednesday.

Mike Horn, from Johannesburg, is also a motivational speaker and has given speeches to the team before Test matches in the past.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a big fan of his work, saying: "He is an explorer basically and shares his experiences with us. He is a great guy to be with.

"It is the experience he has got, only a few people in the world have got that. He loves the team, and has been part of us in quite a few series in the past." (Reuters)

Pakistan bowler Umar Gul is confident he can take the three key wickets at the top of the Indian order.

Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir have been in devastating form with the bat in the World Cup so far, but paceman Gul believes he is the man to stop them in their tracks.

"The first three wickets are crucial for us. They [India] are depending on their top three. I am in good form and I will be looking for these wickets," Gul said. (Press Association)

ICC boss Haroon Lorgat wants the 2015 World Cup to be shorter, with the current six-week tournament being deemed too long. Organisers have already said the number of competing teams will be cut from 14 to 10 for the 2015 tournament.

Lorgat said: "Hopefully, we can work towards 2015 being further condensed", whilst also adding that television viewing figures for the 2011 World Cup "have been the biggest in the tournament's history".

Full story: Courier Mail