ISLAMABAD, Feb 23: The traffic got disturbed amid cheers and boos at Jinnah Avenue, in front of the Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) building, as the cricket passion hit the federal capital with Pakistan's first World Cup match against Kenya on Wednesday.

Scores of cars lined up on both sides of the road, as children, young and old alike remained glued to the large LCD screen installed at the ISE building.

Apart from Jinnah Avenue, the residents of the federal capital can also enjoy the pleasure of watching the matches on big screens at various other places, including F-7 Markaz and F-10 Markaz.

To maintain order and traffic flow at these spots, the traffic police deputed its mobile squads there with its officials guiding the enthusiastic fans to park their vehicles on the service roads.

“Watching the match among the crowd is exciting; there is a feeling of freedom and participation,” said a citizen watching the match at Jinnah Avenue. “Besides, my sons can scream at full voice in joy or otherwise here.”

The management of the ISE has decided to make arrangements for showing the matches even during loadshedding hours. “We have the country's largest screen of 15x10 metres and its daily electricity expenditure comes to around Rs12,000, and the use of generators will add to this,” said an ISE official.

Though not the largest screen, the hottest spot for the cricket fans for the mega view of the match was F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super). The spot is preferred by all as it lies in the centre of the market where people can watch a match and continue with their shopping schedule as well.

Here the public can stand or sit in the food court while watching the match and move on if it becomes boring.

With cricket fever beginning to heat up, the National Press Club is also displaying all the field clashes of Pakistani team.

“Press club is also offering free dinner to families and friends of its members who come to watch the matches either in Islamabad or Rawalpindi branch,” said Afzal Butt, the president of the press club.

Apart from the large screens, various cafes and restaurants are also showing Pakistani team in action. Some are even holding promotions connected with Pakistan's World Cup matches, and one can witness unorthodox betting for tea, coffee or soft drinks at these spots.

“I was mad at the batting style and yelled that Pakistan could not cross 300 runs,” a group of boys sitting next to us challenged,” said Sara, who came to a café in Super Market to enjoy snacks with the cricket match. “Well I also bought soft drinks for everybody at that table and it was more of fun,” she added.

Almost all the local restaurants in the twin cities are also showing the World Cup matches and there are crowds of people. They all shout at the screen together like the fans in stadiums but with added advantage that these fans here can order tea and snacks anytime.