Gurpal Singh, mentor of legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, was a distraught man yesterday. Despite waiting in the offices of the Punjab Cricket Association for at least five hours, the 75-year-old did not get a ticket to watch the India-Pakistan World Cup semi-final.

"I had gone to the PCA on Saturday and the officials told me to wait for some time. I waited for five hours, but I was not given a ticket.

"I spoke to MP Pandove (PCA Secretary), and he assured me that he would get the tickets delivered at my home. So far I haven't received any ticket," Gurpal told MiD DAY. It meant Gurpal had to watch the match on television at home. "They can't stop me from watching the match," he laughed.

Pandove refused to comment on the matter. Speaking on his famous student, Gurpal said: "When I was in college in Amritsar, Bishan, who was studying in St. Stephen's school, used to come and attend nets. At that time he was a fast bowler. After a few days I told him to try spin bowling. It's not been a bad advice after all."