Srinagar, Mar 13 (UNI) People in Kashmir valley are very disappointed as they will not be to able watch the opening match of the World cup between Pakistan and West Indies on their television sets because of total power failure after transmission lines and electric poles were damaged due to heavy snowfall.

Only those who could afford would be able to watch proceedings of the match this evening with the help of electric generating sets.

''We were eagerly waiting for the start of the world cup and purchased a new television with big screen,'' said Fayaz Ahmad a shopkeeper. However, he said, all their hopes were dashed by total power failure since yesterday.

''God knows when the electricity will be restored as the Power Development Department has yet to start repair work of damaged wires and electric poles because of strike by employees,'' Ahmad said.

Hundreds of television sets with big screens were sold during the past one month because of world cup, said shopkeepers in busy Residency road near here.

''It was unexpected snowfall otherwise we would have purchased power generating set for the world cup,'' said Abdul Qayoum, a former Ranji trophy cricketer.

However, he is hoping to lister live commentary from All India Radio.

The Internet and cable network in the valley also remained suspended because of snowfall.

UNI