The Rawalpindi Express may have arrived in the city late this evening, but Kolkata is already swinging to the tune of the fast bowler.

The fresh wave of euphoria surrounding the fast bowler couldn’t have come at a better time, as Knight Riders, led by an out-of-form Sourav Ganguly is in doldrums after a string of defeats in four matches even as much-hyped Oz players including Ponting have made an ignominious exit.

Shoaib was yesterday cleared by the Pakistan Cricket Board to play in the IPL after being slapped with a 5-year ban earlier. “I am extremely happy to be in India. I am looking forward to for my team in the IPL,” the 32-year-old sturdy cricketer said after arriving in the Capital.

“I am grateful to the people of India for embracing me, especially Shah Rukh Khan, who has supported me throughout. Eden Gardens is like my home ground,” a visibly upbeat Shoaib said.

The illustrious player’s arrival in Kolkata has infused fresh hope within the organisers.

And the biggest gain has been on the ticket sales front, thanks to the frenzy surrounding the controversial bowler.

Says Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) treasurer Tushar Sarkar: “Tickets are selling like hot cakes. After the four defeats, we weren’t sure how to bring back the crowds. But once the news spread that Shoaib will be playing at Eden, the scenario changed suddenly.”

Desperately looking to turn things around, Ganguly & Co will take on the Rahul Dravid-led Royal Challengers at the Eden Gardens this Thursday, and Shoaib will obviously be the prime crowd-puller.

“I have not played cricket for four months. I have to acclimatise with the conditions and train hard,” said Shoaib. The speedster will have to undergo a series of fitness drills over the next two days to get the final go-ahead for the match.

Such gripping has been the Shoaib effect over Kolkata that other interesting developments appear to be neglected.

This Thursday’s match is set to become the first ever instance of paramilitary forces keeping guard at an international match at Eden Gardens.

State Home Secretary Asok Mohan Chakrabarti has announced that 3,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed at for Thursday’s match.

As for SRK’s demand for a new and much larger “entertainment stage” to be set up at the ground, the Kolkata Police has shot down the proposal, asking Red Chillies to formally submit a proposal.

Maverick Sports Minister Subhas Chakraborty has fired yet another salvo at the proposed cultural show during the match.