Resumption of International cricket in Pakistan, a wild- goose chase ? Opinion
With the arrival of Pakistan Cricket Board?s (PCB) new chairman, Zaka Ashraf, many were aiming to see the revival of international cricket in the country.
Although things are looking on the bright side, still Pakistan is not there yet. The honest analysis is that Pakistan is still fighting a war on the home front and until and unless there is an official ceasefire, teams from other countries will always be put at harm?s way when coming to play in Pakistan.
While many Pakistanis would be agitated by this analysis, this is a pill they have to swallow. The new chairman has been trying his very best to convince other boards to send their national teams. But the main question about the security situation in the country remains a puzzle.
Teams from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have also shown their reservations in this matter. And since the Lankans are the only team to have come under the attack of terrorists in Lahore during their series against Pakistan, convincing that country to send their national stars would be a tough nut to crack.
Australia, England and South Africa have bluntly refused to play in Pakistan until there is a conclusive end to the depleted law and order situation in the country.
Pakistan is left with no option but to play home series on neutral venues and for that the country has been conveniently using facilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
However, fans back home feel cheated and want the games to be played on home turfs. PCB cannot do this on its own, it needs the muscle of the government in order to meet their goal of resumption of international cricket.
Nonetheless, everything is not gloomy as the PCB has managed to mend relations with India, which went south after the Mumbai attacks. It is to be mentioned here that India has not played a bilateral series against Pakistan since the attacks.
However, now things are heading in a better direction with both boards agreeing to play against each other next month, and although it would be Pakistan going to India, still it is a start.
India and Pakistan have a long and bitter history, however, cricketers from both sides are respected and have never been attacked of threatened.
Nonetheless, the world has changed after 9/11 and a single bullet can trigger Armageddon, but let?s just hope that never happens.
Ashraf is confident that Pakistani players will be safe in India and the nation has nothing to worry about. ?We have full confidence in the arrangements that will be made by the hosts and we are sure our players will be able to focus on their cricket.?
Quizzed about the delay in resumption of international cricket, the PCB boss said, ?We are hopeful international cricket will return soon to Pakistan. It is a matter of time and we are preparing for that time.?
Keeping fingers crossed might not see Pakistan host foreign countries, for that they need to mould the domestic situation in their favour to show to the world that they are capable of protecting their guests.
Although this might seem harsh, but for the moment, in order to avoid an international disaster perhaps it would be wise for Pakistan not to pursue other nations for a visit because any successful terror incident would put the fate of the country?s cricket in jeopardy. ???
The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com?s editorial policy?
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