"It's time we helped a mate out, so will you go to Lahore and play?" : Dean Jones

[MenInG]

With confirmation this week that the Pakistan Super League will play its final in Lahore early next month, this will be the biggest sporting event in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup final.

With games being played in the United Arab Emirates, the super league's TV ratings in Pakistan have gone through the roof. But will star overseas players be willing to travel to Pakistan to play in the final? Will they go against everything that's being said about the dangers of touring Pakistan?

One of the major distractions for the coaches of each franchise over the past week has been to seek out each overseas player and ask if they will be available. What would motivate a player to travel to Lahore? Is it the monetary incentive? Or are players' decisions mainly based on their trust in the levels of security promised by the Pakistan army and police?

Would you want to go?

Before you answer, let me give you some background. In 2009, a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team and International Cricket Council umpires and officials was attacked by terrorists in Lahore and eight people were killed. Since then only one international team has toured Pakistan – in 2015, when Zimbabwe played a one-day international and two Twenty20 matches.

Yes, we all know over the past couple of weeks there have been terrorist attacks in Pakistan. I can understand your uneasiness, but hang on a second.

"I can absolutely say the players' safety is guaranteed," said PSL chairman Najam Sethi. "We are trying to showcase Pakistan and we will not give in to these terrorists! The security is guaranteed and we are not putting players in harm's way. We are not doing that. We are putting on the final in a completely secure environment where the ground is secured in a radius of five miles. Over and above that, we want cricket to come back to Pakistan.

"We have all the best security advisors where ICC, FICA [Federation of International Cricketers' Associations] and England security advisors will look at everything that's been planned to host this event. Taking this final to Lahore is like breaking apartheid. It's very important to Pakistan cricket and the future of the Pakistan Super League. We are not being adventurous because we know can guarantee the players' security."

My humble opinion as coach of one of the PSL teams, Islamabad United, is that the league is going brilliantly, but I don't think it can sustain its growth if it continues to be played in UAE. For the PSL to go to another level it needs to be played in Pakistan. And the Pakistani fans are crying out for quality cricket to be played at home.

And before you say no, you are not going to Lahore, at least look how cricket teams have reacted to terrorist activities in other countries. When Australia was playing in England in 2005, several terrorist bombs went off in central London, 52 people were killed and 700 were injured. Australia agreed to stay on and complete that tour. In Mumbai in November 2008, more than 160 people were killed and 600 injured in terrorist attacks but England toured India just a few weeks later. During an Indian Premier League match in 2010 at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, two bombs exploded inside the stadium while the match was in progress, injuring 15. The next day, another bomb outside the stadium was defused but the tournament continued.

Australia will not tour Pakistan or Bangladesh due to security concerns. Let's not forget that before the World Cup final in Melbourne in 2015, there were massive security issues before the match.

I am not being flippant when it comes to players' welfare and safety. It is paramount. But there seems to be a level of inconsistency when decisions are made on when a player or team should tour another country. Looking back, you can understand why I smell a whiff of hypocrisy.

Terrorism is a world problem, not just a cricket problem. We should not give in to the demands of terrorism or the fear it projects. It's not just cricketers who should stand up and be leaders against terrorism, it's everyone's role. I understand people are twitchy on this subject but it's time to lead from the front.

Yes, there have been recent terror attacks in Pakistan. We have had the odd scare at home as well. I know the Pakistan army and police are going above and beyond to make this Lahore final a reality – and safe for all concerned.

So what would you do if you were Shane Watson, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen or Kumar Sangakarra? If you knew exactly what security is being offered, would you fly in for one day to play in a final and fly out that night? If the right monetary offer was made, would you consider it?


So what motivates players of today to play cricket in Pakistan and Bangladesh? Already some Australian and other overseas players have agreed to play in this year's Bangladesh Premier League, a country Australia recently refused to tour due to security issues. So let's start to get honest when it comes to touring these places.

My opinion might be compromised because I am employed by the PSL, but it's time we helped the Pakistanis get international cricket back. If we don't then the PSL will eventually collapse and so will the dreams of many young kids wanting to play for their country. It's time we helped a mate out, so will you go to Lahore and play?

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/would-you-play-cricket-in-lahore-20170223-gujf2e.html

 

[MenInG]

Some powerful stuff from Dean Jones and that opinion will weigh in more as he is not Pakistani

Also wonder if he has spoken about this to Watson and Haddin also.

 

[adil_909]

They should move the final to Rawalpindi. Not sure what the stadium looks like these days, but the security in the twin cities is obviously easier to guarantee than in Lahore.

 

[MenInG]

They should move the final to Rawalpindi. Not sure what the stadium looks like these days, but the security in the twin cities is obviously easier to guarantee than in Lahore.

Pakistan is not that huge a place that terrorists dont exist or cannot travel to another city!

Look at the bigger picture and think

 

[Madplayer]

I understand what dean is saying but we should acknowledge that The bombings in england or attacks in mumbai weren't done by home grown terrorists of these countries. I wonder if that can be a big factor in deciding whether to tour or not?? I know there is a financial angle to it as well for some of the players at least.

 

[adil_909]

Pakistan is not that huge a place that terrorists dont exist or cannot travel to another city!

Look at the bigger picture and think

What is the bigger picture? Despite the recent attacks, overall security situation is much improved. This is the safest pakistan has been in the last 10 years. At some point we have to try and bring cricket back or else the game will die out. We can definitely provide security for one 3-hour game, it's not like entire tournament is being moved back.

 

[rhony]

If Sanga is willing to go back, it will be a statement considering he was part of that SL team. He will earn a lifetime support of grateful Pakistani supporters.

 

[rhony]

I understand what dean is saying but we should acknowledge that The bombings in england or attacks in mumbai weren't done by home grown terrorists of these countries. I wonder if that can be a big factor in deciding whether to tour or not?? I know there is a financial angle to it as well for some of the players at least.

England attacks were home grown

 

[LastManstanding]

Forget about cricket for a moment.It is very unlikely that any player's life would be endangered with the security that will be provided to them, but think of the innocent lives that would be under threat if the terrorists decide to target that match.

What did PCB achieve by forcing Zimbabwe players to come to Pakistan? A policeman lost his life for no fault of his own. Yes, terrorists attacks have been happening in every country but cricket teams or matches haven't been the intended targets there.

I understand Pakistani fans want to see their stars in action live, but wouldn't PCB be endangering their lives as well? Can they ensure the safety of 50,000 fans? Stadium will have full security but majority of fans will use public transport to reach stadium, what if terrorists decide to target them?

Even if the final is held without any obstruction, what next? Bring PSL to Pakistan from next year? Will they be able to ensure such security throughout the tournament? PCB need to think about the answers to these questions before cajoling international players to come to Pakistan.

 

[KyoOne]

Impressive. Didnt expect that from Deano.

Hope he persuades a few players to make the trip, should their team reach the final

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I understand what dean is saying but we should acknowledge that The bombings in england or attacks in mumbai weren't done by home grown terrorists of these countries. I wonder if that can be a big factor in deciding whether to tour or not?? I know there is a financial angle to it as well for some of the players at least.

You can't discount the political landscape either. Sporting events in England and India are seen as huge events with global repercussions if they are cancelled due to terrorism. Consider India's clout in the ICC due to financial strong-arming. Pakistan doesn't have that sort of clout and that is going to make a difference.

 

[super hitter]

i'll never go to Lahore after yet another blast, Bring it to Islamabad or I'm happy with the TV ratings.

 

[MenInG]

What is the bigger picture? Despite the recent attacks, overall security situation is much improved. This is the safest pakistan has been in the last 10 years. At some point we have to try and bring cricket back or else the game will die out. We can definitely provide security for one 3-hour game, it's not like entire tournament is being moved back.

The bigger picture is the general feeling of insecurity in Pakistan atm.

There is a wave of bombings and only if that is stopped - say a 2 month period when nothing happens of significance is when your argument will hold water.

 

[lonex]

Forget about cricket for a moment.It is very unlikely that any player's life would be endangered with the security that will be provided to them, but think of the innocent lives that would be under threat if the terrorists decide to target that match.

What did PCB achieve by forcing Zimbabwe players to come to Pakistan? A policeman lost his life for no fault of his own. Yes, terrorists attacks have been happening in every country but cricket teams or matches haven't been the intended targets there.

I understand Pakistani fans want to see their stars in action live, but wouldn't PCB be endangering their lives as well? Can they ensure the safety of 50,000 fans? Stadium will have full security but majority of fans will use public transport to reach stadium, what if terrorists decide to target them?

Even if the final is held without any obstruction, what next? Bring PSL to Pakistan from next year? Will they be able to ensure such security throughout the tournament? PCB need to think about the answers to these questions before cajoling international players to come to Pakistan.

I dont agree with you. terrorist dont need a reason to attack, if they are motivated to attack they will chose other targets.

If it is not for PSL, they have many other targets. Security forces very well know what they are against and they still stand tall to protect the country.

 

[ExpressPacer]

There's no point in having it in Pakistan. You wouldn't see a good crowd. The govt and ISI officials are repeatedly telling people to avoid areas with too many people. And nobody loves cricket more than they love their lives.

 

[lonex]

The bigger picture is the general feeling of insecurity in Pakistan atm.

There is a wave of bombings and only if that is stopped - say a 2 month period when nothing happens of significance is when your argument will hold water.

And what guarantees you have that it will be peaceful after 2 months of lull. This wave started after a lull period of many months.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

i'll never go to Lahore after yet another blast, Bring it to Islamabad or I'm happy with the TV ratings.

It was nothing to do with terrorism. GSL will be a full house you are not needed so don't come.

 

[aabbasi]

As waseem badami would say, an innocent question: When IRA were wrecking havoc in UK did all the countries abandon playing in the UK?

 

[Red Devil]

There's no point in having it in Pakistan. You wouldn't see a good crowd. The govt and ISI officials are repeatedly telling people to avoid areas with too many people. And nobody loves cricket more than they love their lives.

It will certainly be a full house if it happens in Pakistan. That's something which is pretty much a given.

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

i'll never go to Lahore after yet another blast, Bring it to Islamabad or I'm happy with the TV ratings.

Ohh but but it'll be way past your bed time....

 

[ExpressPacer]

It will certainly be a full house if it happens in Pakistan. That's something which is pretty much a given.

No man, trust me. People aren't going to go. All Pakistani's are being told to avoid such gatherings. Its just not safe. Its all over the media, social media, newspapers, WhatsApp messages, everything. I'd be surprised if people actually showed up. I want it to happen in Pakistan more than anyone but there's no point of having it in front of an empty stadium.

 

[Red Devil]

No man, trust me. People aren't going to go. All Pakistani's are being told to avoid such gatherings. Its just not safe. Its all over the media, social media, newspapers, WhatsApp messages, everything. I'd be surprised if people actually showed up. I want it to happen in Pakistan more than anyone but there's no point of having it in front of an empty stadium.

Bro, life goes on. You can't turn people into prisoners inside of their own homes. I live here and nobody's told me anything of that sort.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Bro, life goes on. You can't turn people into prisoners inside of their own homes. I live here and nobody's told me anything of that sort.

Well, I guess you're not wrong but I know for a fact that the majority of my friends who earlier intended to go (including me) will not go anymore.