EX-international ace Rudra Singh says today’s epic World Cup semi-final between his beloved India and arch rivals Pakistan will be one to savour for the world of cricket – especially if India can reach the final on home soil.

The 46-year-old Lancashire cricket development manager, who played one day cricket for India in the 1980s, will not be at his desk at Old Trafford today as he watches the game, which will be witnessed by a worldwide audience of billions.

The sub-continent will come to a stop when the neighbours meet and Singh can’t wait.

“People may not realise just how big this game of cricket is,” he said. “All bar one or two of India’s TV stations will show the game and people are talking about this being one of the biggest TV audiences in history worldwide.

“It is as big if not bigger than the Olympics as a spectacle – and it really matters.”

But it is more than just a game as they not-so-friendly neighbours try to build bridges on the sporting field.

“When you look at the trouble between the countries, it is huge,” he said.

“Pakistan’s Prime Minister has been invited so cricket could aid diplomacy.”

While Singh admits he would have liked to have seen England make it to the final and was disappointed to see them lose to Sri Lanka in Saturday’s quarter-final, he has no split loyalties.

“Of course I want India to win,” he added. “They are the best team, the most balanced team and I want them to get to the final and win the competition. If India play to potential they should win – but you never know what you will get with Pakistan. While India are man-for-man a better team, Pakistan have some match winners and the likes of Shoaib Akhtar may just fancy a final to bow out on.

“And, of course, Shahid Afridi is capable of anything with either bat or ball.

“But I fancy India.”

The great Sachin Tendulkar will go into bat today needing one more ton for 100 centuries - but Singh says that will not put any pressure on the ‘Little Master’.

“He won’t feel the pressure and he will know he will get that 100th ton sometime,” said Singh. “It would be wonderful for him to get it against Pakistan – but it would be better if he could save it for the World Cup final.”