Rana
Hall of Famer
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2006
- Runs
- 84,526
With the current situation, the PCB is taking a major gamble in hosting the PSL final at Lahore in an attempt to revive the International scene. However, this stance by the PCB comes at the price of possibly losing its overseas internationals who naturally would be reluctant to put their lives on the line.
The PCB made huge strides in the past for this cause, by paying over the odds fees to the Zimbabwe national team by hosting them. The series itself may have been the most expensive series hosted by Pakistan not just because of the amount of money paid to the opposition players, but also because of the presidential security measures taken to ensure the safety of these players. To quite an extent, the PCB proved to be adequate in pulling this off. However, no matter how much the PCB would like the world to believe that this was a succesful attempt in reviving international cricket in the country, it cannot hide the fact that a possible terrorist attack did take place somewhere near the stadium only for it to be halted before it reached a drastic level. The PC also continued to try and persuade other international teams such as the West Indies, Bangladesh and Afghanistan with a similar lure of of cash, targeting such International sides that could do with such a major pay day by daring themselves to play in Pakistan. This was of no avail however.
It is fair to say that the majority of the cricketing world has deep sympathy for the Pakistan team because of its struggle of not being able to host any international cricket and practically playing all of its games away from home. They all would like to do something about it, yet their is no question regarding the fact that a life of a human being is the most valuable thing no matter how much money is offered. The PCB simply relies on paying over the odds in all matters to somehow making international cricket a possibility once again.
Somehow, we must not give up on our hopes to see Pakistan host International cricket once again. So lets focus on how this dream can once again come true...
1. PCB considering the current situation is already going all out financially to lure players. This approach is not really working unfortunately.
2. For Pakistan to have an chance, it must be considered a safe country to visit. This means for the next 20 years Pakistan must manage to avoid itself making any news on the international media in regards to any terrorist activity. This in itself is a near impossible task due to the absolute mismanagement of the government and tendency to succumb to hardline Islamic clerics that have the power to control millions of citizens who can unleash violence at any time. Also, with all the guns and ammunition already at the disposal to the hands of citizens without a license, gun crime and attacks are going to be extremely difficult to stop.
3. The slightest chance to host a potential international match is being particularly targeted by a terrorist group that specialises in the ceasing of international cricket in Pakistan. Its coming to the point that this is no longer a speculation, Its becoming very evident. The Islamabad Hotel bombings in 2006 was the begining of this mess as Pakistan was scheduled to host the champion's trophy, and these terrorists made it extremely clear that the hotels in which these players are set to stay in are unsafe. The attack on the Sri Lanka team bus, the failed terrorist attempt during the Zimbabwe series and these recents attacks in Lahore being the host of the final of the PSL are clear indicators that a terrorist organisation in Pakistan is doing whatever it can to stop cricket in the country. Until this organisation isnt destroyed, any attempt of a revival will be dangerous no matter when it takes place.
To be realistic, I can only say Pakistan may not host a series the way it did pre 2007 ever again. designating one stadium for a full series just so cricket can take place doesnt help either. Its eventually going to become boring for the inhabitants of that city. With no real stars being produced, and those that are becoming mega stars tend to sell out to bookies....Pakistan will struggle to even attract a home crowed. Afridi was the Last of the stars, Sharjeel could have been a top draw but what a waste.
International Cricket in Pakistan may forever be a dream.
The PCB made huge strides in the past for this cause, by paying over the odds fees to the Zimbabwe national team by hosting them. The series itself may have been the most expensive series hosted by Pakistan not just because of the amount of money paid to the opposition players, but also because of the presidential security measures taken to ensure the safety of these players. To quite an extent, the PCB proved to be adequate in pulling this off. However, no matter how much the PCB would like the world to believe that this was a succesful attempt in reviving international cricket in the country, it cannot hide the fact that a possible terrorist attack did take place somewhere near the stadium only for it to be halted before it reached a drastic level. The PC also continued to try and persuade other international teams such as the West Indies, Bangladesh and Afghanistan with a similar lure of of cash, targeting such International sides that could do with such a major pay day by daring themselves to play in Pakistan. This was of no avail however.
It is fair to say that the majority of the cricketing world has deep sympathy for the Pakistan team because of its struggle of not being able to host any international cricket and practically playing all of its games away from home. They all would like to do something about it, yet their is no question regarding the fact that a life of a human being is the most valuable thing no matter how much money is offered. The PCB simply relies on paying over the odds in all matters to somehow making international cricket a possibility once again.
Somehow, we must not give up on our hopes to see Pakistan host International cricket once again. So lets focus on how this dream can once again come true...
1. PCB considering the current situation is already going all out financially to lure players. This approach is not really working unfortunately.
2. For Pakistan to have an chance, it must be considered a safe country to visit. This means for the next 20 years Pakistan must manage to avoid itself making any news on the international media in regards to any terrorist activity. This in itself is a near impossible task due to the absolute mismanagement of the government and tendency to succumb to hardline Islamic clerics that have the power to control millions of citizens who can unleash violence at any time. Also, with all the guns and ammunition already at the disposal to the hands of citizens without a license, gun crime and attacks are going to be extremely difficult to stop.
3. The slightest chance to host a potential international match is being particularly targeted by a terrorist group that specialises in the ceasing of international cricket in Pakistan. Its coming to the point that this is no longer a speculation, Its becoming very evident. The Islamabad Hotel bombings in 2006 was the begining of this mess as Pakistan was scheduled to host the champion's trophy, and these terrorists made it extremely clear that the hotels in which these players are set to stay in are unsafe. The attack on the Sri Lanka team bus, the failed terrorist attempt during the Zimbabwe series and these recents attacks in Lahore being the host of the final of the PSL are clear indicators that a terrorist organisation in Pakistan is doing whatever it can to stop cricket in the country. Until this organisation isnt destroyed, any attempt of a revival will be dangerous no matter when it takes place.
To be realistic, I can only say Pakistan may not host a series the way it did pre 2007 ever again. designating one stadium for a full series just so cricket can take place doesnt help either. Its eventually going to become boring for the inhabitants of that city. With no real stars being produced, and those that are becoming mega stars tend to sell out to bookies....Pakistan will struggle to even attract a home crowed. Afridi was the Last of the stars, Sharjeel could have been a top draw but what a waste.
International Cricket in Pakistan may forever be a dream.
