October 2019: Is Pakistan still an unsafe country for a full programme tour?

[Rana]

Requesting mods to add a poll.

So we’ve had the recent visit of William and Kate, plus another thread in the time pass zone giving updates of some of the biggest names in world football touring Pakistan to promote FIFA, a governing body that is at least 50 times bigger than ICC itself.

However, individual superstars such as Kaka, who’s net worth is probably more than BCCI, and if this an exaggeration it definitely is worth more than the ACB and ECB. If he has no issue to visit Pakistan then I can’t understand how the white playing nations could still see Pakistan as unsafe for a venue without even taking a proper check of its current situation.

The current successful visits by prominent people in the world, plus the PSL gig, Sri Lanka tour and now the Bangladesh women’s tour should be sufficient proof that Pakistan is a safe venue. Otherwise you can expect blatant hypocrisy from those who do not wish to visit and they need to be called out.

Would like to see the mighty brave Ben Stokes refuse a tour of Pakistan now.

 

[ARK Rafay]

Tours can be arranged, but will it be without full security? I don't think so. Not because I think Pakistan is unsafe. But because the opposing forces don't want to make things happen

 

[Rana]

Tours can be arranged, but will it be without full security? I don't think so. Not because I think Pakistan is unsafe. But because the opposing forces don't want to make things happen

Yes but who doesn't have even a minimal amount of security? You cant just access the hotels/social spots of International cricketers on tour. Nor can you just walk onto the playing areas. All International arrangements are done with some form of security or another. India has to do the same otherwise you could end up having thousands of passionate fans lynching a player who may have let his country down in a big world cup match.

 

[Shafi]

PCB should concentrate to find better players and improve our domestic cricket rather than useless tours. What is the point of these tours if we fail to team like SL D or our U-16, U19 team keep loosing to Afghanistan, Bangladesh constant basis?
If we look our U19 or U16 teams we will hardly find any decent batsman. Our bowling is ok but our young batters are not good enough to score even 150-175.

 

[Rana]

PCB should concentrate to find better players and improve our domestic cricket rather than useless tours. What is the point of these tours if we fail to team like SL D or our U-16, U19 team keep loosing to Afghanistan, Bangladesh constant basis?
If we look our U19 or U16 teams we will hardly find any decent batsman. Our bowling is ok but our young batters are not good enough to score even 150-175.

Chalo jee.

PCB had 10 years out of cricket to do that, they have done what they can but its just not working out so far. In the process they have unearthed a gem in Babar Azam and given a bit more time, they could have him pairing with another world class player who will be inspired by Bobby.

 

[Shafi]

Chalo jee.

PCB had 10 years out of cricket to do that, they have done what they can but its just not working out so far. In the process they have unearthed a gem in Babar Azam and given a bit more time, they could have him pairing with another world class player who will be inspired by Bobby.

If PCB takes 10 years to get 1 Babar than our future is very bleak. How can we compete with other teams with 1 Decent batsman in future?

 

[Danyaalr01]

If PCB takes 10 years to get 1 Babar than our future is very bleak. How can we compete with other teams with 1 Decent batsman in future?

Haider Ali is a good prospect, but that's all I can think of.

 

[Tiger96]

Yes it is still an unsafe country where curfews have to be enforced on the streets and the whole city has to be shut down to organize a Cricket Match. Its also a turn off for the visiting players to be 24/7 guarded by commandos holding Guns and locked in their Prison Hotel.

 

[Rana]

Yes it is still an unsafe country where curfews have to be enforced on the streets and the whole city has to be shut down to organize a Cricket Match. Its also a turn off for the visiting players to be 24/7 guarded by commandos holding Guns and locked in their Prison Hotel.

These things can be relaxed

Its the players who want 100% security and that what 100% security is.

 

[Danyaalr01]

Yes it is still an unsafe country where curfews have to be enforced on the streets and the whole city has to be shut down to organize a Cricket Match. Its also a turn off for the visiting players to be 24/7 guarded by commandos holding Guns and locked in their Prison Hotel.

The players were offered to go out, they declined.

 

[Kaka4pope]

The whole cooped up in hotel thing for touring teams I can see as an issue - no matter how many excursions are arranged.

Why not give them some of the properties in Bahria Towns/DHAs, all mod-cons and plenty of space to wonder stretch out, and security at arms length...

It’s not ideal but perhaps better than hotels...

 

[sjahmed23]

It's the economy. Fix the economy where people have more disposable income then everyone will visit Pakistan. Right now all of Pakistan's problems are tied to it's fragile economy.

 

[Boiz Played Well]

I think we need to take a realistic view of the world's perception of Pakistan as things stand. Yes, the situation is several folds better from a decade ago. But we can't go from that to expecting it to be how things were back in 1987. Foreigners at-large have lots of safety concerns when coming here. Many countries still have the highest risk travel advisories for their citizens visiting Pakistan. It's not just a cricket thing. Hopefully over time it will keep getting better, but this isn't something the PCB or the fans or even chiefs of other cricket boards can rush. Add to that, the security can be top-notch but a month-long test tour where players are not allowed out of their hotels isn't the thing most look forward to so it's hard to see current international players really jumping on the wagon to tour Pakistan.

 

[sweep_shot]

Poll added. Vote please.

 

[barah_admi]

Pakistan as a nation is just as safe as any of the 3rd world countries on the planet, it is just that international propaganda shapes the views of most idiots..I mean people on this planet.

 

[MMHS]

Chalo jee.

PCB had 10 years out of cricket to do that, they have done what they can but its just not working out so far. In the process they have unearthed a gem in Babar Azam and given a bit more time, they could have him pairing with another world class player who will be inspired by Bobby.

That’s not true actually - PCB had been given utmost support from ICC and most other boards; it’s their problem that they couldn’t take the favour. PAK has been part of ICC, been allowed to participate every tournament, has been allowed to host cricket at home after letting down ICC big time (teams are not touring to PAK is not ICCs fault - they didn’t ban PAK from hosting). And, PCB could have arranged home series anywhere else at much cheaper cost (& better playing conditions) - they opted for that stinky place for “benefits” unknown to all.

Think about SAF - isolated for 20 years, banned to participate even in any bilateral cricket, their players had to go though much tougher route to represent other countries, at extreme players touring SAF to play any form of cricket were banned for 5 years internationally (WIN banned for life, IND, PAK, SRL would have done so). Still, cricket flourished in SAF and after 20 years isolation, they came back instantly as a super power of cricket. SAF isn’t END or AUS in terms of financial muscles either, and their board is even now struggling financially to keep their players.

I am not disagreeing that the isolation hampered the course, crippled PCB financially - but, you can’t attribute everything to this. In 1980s & 90s situation wasn’t such, but instead of developing own system, PCB officials were busy in their lavish style, their honeymoon with Shekh Bukhatiar..... and English Counties developing their players. Even in last 10 years, it was possible to improve domestic cricket, upgrade coaching & skill development programs, improving domestic wickets .... what PCB has done is fooling people around bringing cricket in PAK, blaming everything to BCCI and selling the fake gold - PSL.

I give one example - PAK has suffered most in terms of suspicious bowling actions, and for that they spent enough for a bio-mechanic lab - then it took 12 years to bring that lab into function .... is this for geo-politics, isolation, fake security excuses????? PAK players caught in fixing which can be explained, but drug cheating, massive age faking in domestic age level cricket, unprofessional diet & fitness issues ....... who are to be blamed for this? In fact, the way a mature and established cricket nation like PAK focuses & prioritises PSL & T20 cricket itself is enough to explain something is not right there in the thought process.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think Pakistan is fully safe for a full tour. Teams should stop making excuses.

Truth is, no country is 100% safe. I expect terror attacks in Europe more than in Pakistan.

 

[Saj]

It's all about perception.

The likes of ECB CA NZC will not be thinking Pakistan is safe. PCB is doing well but it's still a long way before the likes of England, Australia etc will travel to Pakistan.

 

[Rana]

It's all about perception.

The likes of ECB CA NZC will not be thinking Pakistan is safe. PCB is doing well but it's still a long way before the likes of England, Australia etc will travel to Pakistan.

Brother I don’t think it’s just the perception. A lot of it is an easy excuse to skip touring a boring place. A lot of British Pakistanis don’t want to visit Pakistan unless they are forced to do so by their parents or if there is a big family wedding. Pakistan generally isn’t anyone’s cup of tea for tourism and socialising.

This needs to improve. It has to become a cosmopolitan state the way it is in the UAE.

 

[Saj]

Brother I don’t think it’s just the perception. A lot of it is an easy excuse to skip touring a boring place. A lot of British Pakistanis don’t want to visit Pakistan unless they are forced to do so by their parents or if there is a big family wedding. Pakistan generally isn’t anyone’s cup of tea for tourism and socialising.

This needs to improve. It has to become a cosmopolitan state the way it is in the UAE.

True. It's just too easy for players and their families to go to UAE and enjoy the sights and sounds of Dubai.

 

[ahsan17]

When it comes to security, the best way to judge security is through data. You can use the following link to figure out what the security situation was in Pakistan in 2009 (and the following years) and what it is today:

https://www.satp.org/datasheet-terrorist-attack/fatalities/pakistan

Based on this data, Pakistan in 2019 is as safe as it can be expected a developing country to be. The it is safer than when countries used to frequently travel to Pakistan. In 2009, the same data shows that Pakistan was much less safe than 2019.

Now, to those pointing out curfews and city lockdowns. This is a chicken and egg situation. Other teams will not tour because of that, primarily because of the 2009 attack. It is an irrational response, but its necessary for tours to go ahead.

 

[ahsan17]

Brother I don’t think it’s just the perception. A lot of it is an easy excuse to skip touring a boring place. A lot of British Pakistanis don’t want to visit Pakistan unless they are forced to do so by their parents or if there is a big family wedding. Pakistan generally isn’t anyone’s cup of tea for tourism and socialising.

This needs to improve. It has to become a cosmopolitan state the way it is in the UAE.

It's a mix of perception and what you mention.

I believe Australia and NZ don't have a reasonable and up to date travel advisory for Pakistan, which affects their decision making.

 

[Savak]

It's only a matter of time before England and Australia tour Pakistan. Hundred percent security is a reality and will not be compromised upon and the foreign players are free to roam around, do as they wish but obviously under tight security

 

[MABA]

When it comes to security, the best way to judge security is through data. You can use the following link to figure out what the security situation was in Pakistan in 2009 (and the following years) and what it is today:

https://www.satp.org/datasheet-terrorist-attack/fatalities/pakistan

Based on this data, Pakistan in 2019 is as safe as it can be expected a developing country to be. The it is safer than when countries used to frequently travel to Pakistan. In 2009, the same data shows that Pakistan was much less safe than 2019.

Now, to those pointing out curfews and city lockdowns. This is a chicken and egg situation. Other teams will not tour because of that, primarily because of the 2009 attack. It is an irrational response, but its necessary for tours to go ahead.

Exactly the data shows that Pakistan particularly in the last 3-4 years has been very safe. Compare the data from 2000-2009 when teams were still going to Pakistan and it is a huge drop from those times.

For example number of civilian deaths due to terrorism in 2007 was 1311 people, while in 2019 it is 134. drop of almost 90 percent.

 

[MenInG]

Problem is in perception and not in any stats etc - But we need one breakthrough and that should be enough

 

[ahsan17]

Problem is in perception and not in any stats etc - But we need one breakthrough and that should be enough

Perception can be, at least partially, broken by statistics and data. Most people generally cannot dispute statistics and end up taking them quite seriously, and PCB could use that to their advantage. But I am willing to bet they have never used this data in any of their presentations.

 

[Saj]

The Sri Lankan team official's comments of being stuck in the hotel throughout the tour will not have helped matters.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Rana ji,

I don't know about that but your Bhaijaan will say one thing, Pakistanis will put their own life on the line to protect the life of any team that tours them. You may doubt their present condition but you can never doubt the committment of Pakistani cricket lovers

That alone will always be enough for me to visit Pakistan in future IA if i am allowed to be there. Nanga Parbat, Mount K2 remain on my wish list.

Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism.

Due to historical mistakes of some army generals and ISI, normal Pakistanis are suffering from this menace.

They should not be punished for what they are already paying for heavily.

In Immy Khan, Pakistan once again has a liberal and responsible leader under whom the country is back on the path of progress and economic reforms. We must all collectively support Pakistan through this crucial phase.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Requesting mods to add a poll.

So we’ve had the recent visit of William and Kate, plus another thread in the time pass zone giving updates of some of the biggest names in world football touring Pakistan to promote FIFA, a governing body that is at least 50 times bigger than ICC itself.

However, individual superstars such as Kaka, who’s net worth is probably more than BCCI, and if this an exaggeration it definitely is worth more than the ACB and ECB. If he has no issue to visit Pakistan then I can’t understand how the white playing nations could still see Pakistan as unsafe for a venue without even taking a proper check of its current situation.

The current successful visits by prominent people in the world, plus the PSL gig, Sri Lanka tour and now the Bangladesh women’s tour should be sufficient proof that Pakistan is a safe venue. Otherwise you can expect blatant hypocrisy from those who do not wish to visit and they need to be called out.

Would like to see the mighty brave Ben Stokes refuse a tour of Pakistan now.

Can you tell me which European team is touring pakistan on behalf of Fifa?

What has bcci got to do here? May be you don't like the fact that they make in excess of 700mn a year in revenues, something any athlete will not get close to, let alone Kaka. CA or ECB too make in excess of 200mn. But its not about money. Its about the safety perception.

PSL or WI tour or SL tour, all have seen withdrawal of a large number of players.

At the end of the day its about personal choice of a player. The boards wont force any player. And its unlikely that they will send a team B with test championship points on the line.

Pakistan needs to convince the players and the boards will fall in line.

 

[Bhaijaan]

I am sure 39th BCCI present Saurav Ganguly aka Dada is reading our messages and to him I would like to humbly request to please resume dialogue with PCB and ensure a bilateral series takes place within an year itself. It will be even better Saurav if you can arrange to send the boys to Pakistan.

If Pakistan can provide top class security to West Indies and Sri Lanka level teams (no disrespect) then you can bet they will convert the whole city into a cantonment area for Indian cricket team. I have no doubt about that. Pakistan knows the importance of Indian cricket team' visit. They will leave no stone unturned just like they did in the historic and legendary Jeet lo dil series of 2004.

Modi is only the roadblock but that's because you allowed him to be.

BCCI must listen to fans of the game first before GOI.

Thanks Saurav. Happy Diwali to you and Nagma bhabhi

 

[cricketjoshila]

The Sri Lankan team official's comments of being stuck in the hotel throughout the tour will not have helped matters.

They wanted head of state like security. Dont see heads of states roaming around, be it in Times Square or Regent street or the food street.

 

[Rana]

Can you tell me which European team is touring pakistan on behalf of Fifa?

What has bcci got to do here? May be you don't like the fact that they make in excess of 700mn a year in revenues, something any athlete will not get close to, let alone Kaka. CA or ECB too make in excess of 200mn. But its not about money. Its about the safety perception.

PSL or WI tour or SL tour, all have seen withdrawal of a large number of players.

At the end of the day its about personal choice of a player. The boards wont force any player. And its unlikely that they will send a team B with test championship points on the line.

Pakistan needs to convince the players and the boards will fall in line.

Kaka is a bigger brand than BCCI. That’s just the start, the next crown king of England’s Kensington Palace is more valuable than all of ICC and its boards put together let alone titch BCCI.

If these individuals have no issue in touring Pakistan then I don’t understand why BCCI influences its indirect payroll not to tour Pakistan. Indians are at the forefront to declare Pakistan a terrorist nation.

Can you imagine when Afghanistan refuses to tour Pakistan due to safety, you know who’s doing the bidding for who.

 

[ahsan17]

Kaka is a bigger brand than BCCI. That’s just the start, the next crown king of England’s Kensington Palace is more valuable than all of ICC and its boards put together let alone titch BCCI.

If these individuals have no issue in touring Pakistan then I don’t understand why BCCI influences its indirect payroll not to tour Pakistan. Indians are at the forefront to declare Pakistan a terrorist nation.

Can you imagine when Afghanistan refuses to tour Pakistan due to safety, you know who’s doing the bidding for who.

You are spot on about BCCI and India's intentions, but BCCI can only influence ACB and BCB (not that makes it right). PCB needs to aggressively campaign in how 2019 Pakistan is different than 2009, and not just in how we're providing security but that the general security situation in Pakistan is vastly different.

 

[Mesozoic]

As long as you guys keep harping on about BCCI's conspiracy to stop teams from touring Pakistan , things are not going to change much I'm afraid.

If BCCI really had these intentions, you'd not have seen Bangladeshis playing in the PSL and the visits of world XI , Sri Lanka and Windies.

It's better to look into the actual reasons for teams not coming and try to make things better on that regard. Like allowing players to go out and getting to a position where you won't need the Presidential security for players. The images of Sri Lankan team being escorted to the ground by more than hundred security personnel in the recent series have only sent a negative message to the outside world.

 

[ahsan17]

As long as you guys keep harping on about BCCI's conspiracy to stop teams from touring Pakistan , things are not going to change much I'm afraid.

If BCCI really had these intentions, you'd not have seen Bangladeshis playing in the PSL and the visits of world XI , Sri Lanka and Windies.

It's better to look into the actual reasons for teams not coming and try to make things better on that regard. Like allowing players to go out and getting to a position where you won't need the Presidential security for players. The images of Sri Lankan team being escorted to the ground by more than hundred security personnel in the recent series have only sent a negative message to the outside world.

Two can be true at the same time. BCCI can try to influence boards at the same time as PCB works with those same boards and other boards and address their concerns. BCCI only has influence over BCB and ACB. Your point about presidential security doesn't negate BCCI's possible influence. Given India's behaviour and statements elsewhere, it would be completely consistent if they influenced BCB and ACB to not tour Pakistan. Didn't their CoA make statement not long ago indirectly saying no one should play cricket with Pakistan? You can try to make any deflection but bottom line, whatever is said about BCCI's intentions on this forum is completely consistent with BCCI's and GoI's statement.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Kaka is a bigger brand than BCCI. That’s just the start, the next crown king of England’s Kensington Palace is more valuable than all of ICC and its boards put together let alone titch BCCI.

If these individuals have no issue in touring Pakistan then I don’t understand why BCCI influences its indirect payroll not to tour Pakistan. Indians are at the forefront to declare Pakistan a terrorist nation.

Can you imagine when Afghanistan refuses to tour Pakistan due to safety, you know who’s doing the bidding for who.

1. Do read a few sources like forbes and it will tell you that Kohli makes more than Kaka. BCCI and Indian cricket is far bigger. Do pcb own Kensington palace? What next? Wall of China is more valuable than any sporting body so everyone should visit Pakistan?

2. If one individual is interested in visiting pakistan, doesnot mean others are too. It varies.

3. Players don't visit Pakistan because its unsafe according to them. Crying foul about bcci wont help. Players got attacked in Pakistan. Was it due to bcci?

Aussies havent visited since 1998, NZ since 2002 and Eng since 2005. All due to BCCI?

4. Can you imagine Pakistan supporting Taliban in Afghanistan and then Afghans refusing to come to pakistan?

 

[cricketjoshila]

You are spot on about BCCI and India's intentions, but BCCI can only influence ACB and BCB (not that makes it right). PCB needs to aggressively campaign in how 2019 Pakistan is different than 2009, and not just in how we're providing security but that the general security situation in Pakistan is vastly different.

Aussies havent visited since 1998, NZ since 2002 and Eng since 2005. All due to BCCI?

 

[cricketjoshila]

Two can be true at the same time. BCCI can try to influence boards at the same time as PCB works with those same boards and other boards and address their concerns. BCCI only has influence over BCB and ACB. Your point about presidential security doesn't negate BCCI's possible influence. Given India's behaviour and statements elsewhere, it would be completely consistent if they influenced BCB and ACB to not tour Pakistan. Didn't their CoA make statement not long ago indirectly saying no one should play cricket with Pakistan? You can try to make any deflection but bottom line, whatever is said about BCCI's intentions on this forum is completely consistent with BCCI's and GoI's statement.

You have no proof of bcci actually doing anything.

Its pakistans failure that you are trying to hide by blaming bcci.

 

[Rana]

1. Do read a few sources like forbes and it will tell you that Kohli makes more than Kaka. BCCI and Indian cricket is far bigger. Do pcb own Kensington palace? What next? Wall of China is more valuable than any sporting body so everyone should visit Pakistan?

2. If one individual is interested in visiting pakistan, doesnot mean others are too. It varies.

3. Players don't visit Pakistan because its unsafe according to them. Crying foul about bcci wont help. Players got attacked in Pakistan. Was it due to bcci?

Aussies havent visited since 1998, NZ since 2002 and Eng since 2005. All due to BCCI?

4. Can you imagine Pakistan supporting Taliban in Afghanistan and then Afghans refusing to come to pakistan?

You think Kohli getting kidnapped or hurt in Pakistan would make bigger waves in the world news than Kaka would???

In your utopia of India being the world and everything else being the edge, yes Kohli is a bigger brand. Why don’t you simply admit that BCCI has done its utmost to isolate PCB? Why are all the gun players who depend on BCCI money the first to refuse touring Pakistan? Sick of arguing with you and another blind in hatred for Pakistan poster on this forum!

 

[BaankeJi]

Requesting mods to add a poll.

So we’ve had the recent visit of William and Kate, plus another thread in the time pass zone giving updates of some of the biggest names in world football touring Pakistan to promote FIFA, a governing body that is at least 50 times bigger than ICC itself.

However, individual superstars such as Kaka, who’s net worth is probably more than BCCI, and if this an exaggeration it definitely is worth more than the ACB and ECB. If he has no issue to visit Pakistan then I can’t understand how the white playing nations could still see Pakistan as unsafe for a venue without even taking a proper check of its current situation.

The current successful visits by prominent people in the world, plus the PSL gig, Sri Lanka tour and now the Bangladesh women’s tour should be sufficient proof that Pakistan is a safe venue. Otherwise you can expect blatant hypocrisy from those who do not wish to visit and they need to be called out.

Would like to see the mighty brave Ben Stokes refuse a tour of Pakistan now.

Is soccer as popular as cricket in Pakistan? How many people would have noticed the arrivals of soccer stars??

 

[Tiger96]

You think Kohli getting kidnapped or hurt in Pakistan would make bigger waves in the world news than Kaka would???

In your utopia of India being the world and everything else being the edge, yes Kohli is a bigger brand. Why don’t you simply admit that BCCI has done its utmost to isolate PCB? Why are all the gun players who depend on BCCI money the first to refuse touring Pakistan? Sick of arguing with you and another blind in hatred for Pakistan poster on this forum!

As has been asked before , is BCCI also responsible behind Cricket Australia not visiting Pakistan since 1998 ? Thats 11 years before the 2009 Attack on the Sri Lankan team... If they didnt tour Pakistan ten years prior to the attack, they will not tour Pakistan in a very long long time after the attacks..

It doesnt matter if current era Pakistan is safest than the 2009 period, all it takes is just one attack .

Maybe if and when in the future Pakistan becomes a secular, liberal and free state then Westerners will be more welcoming towards visiting Pakistan but currently the nexus of Army, Mullahs and Terroist groups is so strong that such an unstable country is not worth a visit.

Next you will blame BCCI and India for Osama Bin Ladin being found in Pakistan.

 

[Hasan123]

If countries don’t think Pakistan is safe we are no one to call them names and just call them out in general.

It’s going to take a while before we see Pakistan hosting international cricket regularly.

 

[Rana]

Oh so that’s why you get mad receptions when Ronaldinho and Figo visited Pakistan a few years ago?

Everyone watches the FIFA World Cup and these are still household names even in village social spots. Ronaldinho, one of the most famous people in the world felt Pakistan was safe to visit.

 

[Rana]

As has been asked before , is BCCI also responsible behind Cricket Australia not visiting Pakistan since 1998 ? Thats 11 years before the 2009 Attack on the Sri Lankan team... If they didnt tour Pakistan ten years prior to the attack, they will not tour Pakistan in a very long long time after the attacks..

It doesnt matter if current era Pakistan is safest than the 2009 period, all it takes is just one attack .

Maybe if and when in the future Pakistan becomes a secular, liberal and free state then Westerners will be more welcoming towards visiting Pakistan but currently the nexus of Army, Mullahs and Terroist groups is so strong that such an unstable country is not worth a visit.

Next you will blame BCCI and India for Osama Bin Ladin being found in Pakistan.

I do blame nonesense Indian propaganda.

 

[Rana]

If countries don’t think Pakistan is safe we are no one to call them names and just call them out in general.

It’s going to take a while before we see Pakistan hosting international cricket regularly.

Call them names? What is a coward?

 

[CadPakFan]

Brother I don’t think it’s just the perception. A lot of it is an easy excuse to skip touring a boring place. A lot of British Pakistanis don’t want to visit Pakistan unless they are forced to do so by their parents or if there is a big family wedding. Pakistan generally isn’t anyone’s cup of tea for tourism and socialising.

This needs to improve. It has to become a cosmopolitan state the way it is in the UAE.

Thats true but people do still come here for work related purposes, even though it may not be the best place to live there is no harm in coming for a couple of weeks.

 

[Rana]

Thats true but people do still come here for work related purposes, even though it may not be the best place to live there is no harm in coming for a couple of weeks.

Pakistan is no UAE. It’s nightlife is very halal and so are the vast majority of its restaurants and social spots. Major deterrent for foreigners who really need that kind of recreation after a days work.

 

[Mainul]

I think that only the resident Pakistanis should take part in voting.

And the participants should be honest.

 

[Mainul]

I am sure 39th BCCI present Saurav Ganguly aka Dada is reading our messages and to him I would like to humbly request to please resume dialogue with PCB and ensure a bilateral series takes place within an year itself. It will be even better Saurav if you can arrange to send the boys to Pakistan.

If Pakistan can provide top class security to West Indies and Sri Lanka level teams (no disrespect) then you can bet they will convert the whole city into a cantonment area for Indian cricket team. I have no doubt about that. Pakistan knows the importance of Indian cricket team' visit. They will leave no stone unturned just like they did in the historic and legendary Jeet lo dil series of 2004.

Modi is only the roadblock but that's because you allowed him to be.

BCCI must listen to fans of the game first before GOI.

Thanks Saurav. Happy Diwali to you and Nagma bhabhi

I like this spirit .

 

[Rana]

I think that only the resident Pakistanis should take part in voting.

And the participants should be honest.

What? It’s the outsiders who need to consider if the perception has changed from being unsafe to safe. If the residents thought it was unsafe before, they should have done whatever that was in their power to leave this danger zone. Obviously they will feel it is safe and others should visit them

 

[shantanu]

Not to pick at scabs of the years gone by but it is clear in this case that pakistan is not being toured due to a combination of factors but the primary one is the terrorism issue that is interwoven in the fabric of the society since decades due to systematic radicalisation approach adopted by the state as a policy.
The general public has been led astray by the generals and politicians for decades.
People are mostly all good but systematic programming has rooted itself deeply into the collective psyche of the masses.
PLUS there is ineptness on the part of the PCB and yes the BCCI is not being helpful.
The world has been taking notice of these developments for quite sometime and thus this worldview about pakistan being unsafe.
It will take a mighty economic turnaround plus decades of peace and harmony going forward if the world perception is to change by and large.

I personally blame zia ul haq more than any other person for this position that pak finds itself in.

 

[Mamoon]

If BCCI is blackmailing teams to not tour Pakistan then I say well done to them, because if we were in their position we would have done worse.

As far as the Royal Family is concerned, if they get attacked, they will never visit Pakistan again in a hundred years.

We need to realize that teams were willing to tour Pakistan in the 2000s even though security was a serious issue, and we should be thankful that we have been able to host several teams in Pakistan within a decade of the Sri Lankan attack.

No team is under any obligation to tour Pakistan after our unforgivable security lapse.

Before we can get Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand etc. to tour, we have to work on our reputation. The world sees us as a country that is a safe haven for terrorists.

We can call it propaganda as much as we want, but it is an undisputed fact that several globally designated terrorists are under state protection in Pakistan, and we don’t care because our establishment benefit from them.

Lastly, I wonder Wasim Khan can be finally of some use and convince the ECB to tour Pakistan.

He is grossly overpaid and has proved to be incompetent so far, but if he can use his contacts in the ECB and make something happen, it would completely changed the scenario and would be a massive step forward.

 

[ahsan17]

Aussies havent visited since 1998, NZ since 2002 and Eng since 2005. All due to BCCI?

Read the first sentence of my post.

You have no proof of bcci actually doing anything.

Its pakistans failure that you are trying to hide by blaming bcci.

Their statements are about as smoking gun as it gets.

 

[Saj]

The MCC touring Pakistan is a waste of money and will make no difference to ECB, CA, NZC etc.

 

[Savak]

The MCC touring Pakistan is a waste of money and will make no difference to ECB, CA, NZC etc.

What will make a difference to them then? $100 million in exchange for touring Pakistan?

I am honestly sick and tired of the negativity around here which never ends even if we host 100 international games in Pakistan successfully. I could understand the sentiment of these teams and players ten years ago but frankly their refusal to tour Pakistan is getting ridiculous now

 

[aloo paratha]

As far as I know, the ICC has cleared Pakistan as safe for international cricket, the ICC needs to take a stance. If teams don't want to play in Pakistan, they can split the costs with the PCB and the series can be held in the UAE.

 

[Savak]

As far as I know, the ICC has cleared Pakistan as safe for international cricket, the ICC needs to take a stance. If teams don't want to play in Pakistan, they can split the costs with the PCB and the series can be held in the UAE.

The PCB needs to take a hardline stand now and it looks like their demand to the Sri Lankan board to split the costs of hosting in the UAE worked and the Sri Lankans have now agreed to tour Pakistan for two test matches

 

[aloo paratha]

The PCB needs to take a hardline stand now and it looks like their demand to the Sri Lankan board to split the costs of hosting in the UAE worked and the Sri Lankans have now agreed to tour Pakistan for two test matches

Good. Once PSL5 is hosted entirely in Pakistan, teams won't have any excuses left as there will be an entire months worth of cricket across Pakistan. Either they come to Pakistan or split costs for a neutral venue.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Oh so that’s why you get mad receptions when Ronaldinho and Figo visited Pakistan a few years ago?

Everyone watches the FIFA World Cup and these are still household names even in village social spots. Ronaldinho, one of the most famous people in the world felt Pakistan was safe to visit.

Ask fifa to arrange the WC in Pakistan then.

 

[ahsan17]

Ask fifa to arrange the WC in Pakistan then.

The post quoted was talking about something else, and you have to diverted it to something else all together.

You also seem to have this black and white logic in your posts. Not much room for nuances in your posts.

 

[Danyaalr01]

Pakistan should put more efforts on the South African team to tour. They are more likely to come than Australia, NZ or England. England will be the last team to come.

Many South Africans have already come, including FAF, Amla, Morkel, ABD, Imran Tahir and Riley Rosseau.
South Africa would be more willing given the state of their own country.

 

[cricketjoshila]

The post quoted was talking about something else, and you have to diverted it to something else all together.

You also seem to have this black and white logic in your posts. Not much room for nuances in your posts.

Will fifa arrange the WC in Pakistan because Kaka and Ronaldinho visited?

Recently Holding visited Pakistan, other former greats have visited too. But thats down to individual choices.

I wont be surprised if 5-6 aussie cricketers currently playing too have no issue visiting pakistan. But similarly 5-6 may withdraw. Will CA send a B or C team to pakistan and increase the chances of their loss, i doubt.

The OP dragged BCCI and its money out of nowhere into this and tried to belittle them. Only to be told how stupid his comparison was.

 

[ahsan17]

Will fifa arrange the WC in Pakistan because Kaka and Ronaldinho visited?

Recently Holding visited Pakistan, other former greats have visited too. But thats down to individual choices.

I wont be surprised if 5-6 aussie cricketers currently playing too have no issue visiting pakistan. But similarly 5-6 may withdraw. Will CA send a B or C team to pakistan and increase the chances of their loss, i doubt.

The OP dragged BCCI and its money out of nowhere into this and tried to belittle them. Only to be told how stupid his comparison was.

Why are you jumping directly to FIFA world cup? Especially football, given Pakistan doesn't have a very strong football following? The point he was trying to make is that Pakistan is much safer now than before, which just based on data cannot be argued with. You are arguing about something else, he's arguing about something else. You can make different arguments with respect to perception of Pakistan and whatnot, but that's separate from a completely unrelated argument about FIFA world cup.

With respect to BCCI involvement, I am not sure which particular point you are referring to, but as I said myself there's nothing outrageous about suggesting BCCI might be involved in influencing ACB and BCB, given their comments. Those comments came in the very recent past about how cricket shouldn't be played with "countries that support terrorism" or something to that effect. Given India's attempts globally to isolate Pakistan and get it bankrupt, it would be shocking if BCCI is not trying to influence at least some boards, especially those boards that are more likely to tour like ACB and BCB.

 

[Cypher]

India has had more deaths due to terrorist attacks this year than pakistan.

This tells us what we need to know

 

[Rana]

Will fifa arrange the WC in Pakistan because Kaka and Ronaldinho visited?

Recently Holding visited Pakistan, other former greats have visited too. But thats down to individual choices.

I wont be surprised if 5-6 aussie cricketers currently playing too have no issue visiting pakistan. But similarly 5-6 may withdraw. Will CA send a B or C team to pakistan and increase the chances of their loss, i doubt.

The OP dragged BCCI and its money out of nowhere into this and tried to belittle them. Only to be told how stupid his comparison was.

OP knows exactly what he does when he mentions these things because fundamentally, it is BJP governed BCCI and its prejudice against Pakistan that has a negative influence on many things Pakistan related. I will call it out again and again until people like you admit it. BCCI had the cheek to suggest PCB should be isolated on the same grounds as RSA were because it is a nation that homes terrorists? Matlab ke kuch bhi?

Im asking you again, why does it seem that those players who have big money to make in India are the first who put their wives in the firing line to say that our families are concerned for our safety? All of the irrelevant players have no issue touring Pakistan. This is the negative effect BCCI has and I will call this out whether you like it or another blind poster likes it or not.

 

[Rana]

Why are you jumping directly to FIFA world cup? Especially football, given Pakistan doesn't have a very strong football following? The point he was trying to make is that Pakistan is much safer now than before, which just based on data cannot be argued with. You are arguing about something else, he's arguing about something else. You can make different arguments with respect to perception of Pakistan and whatnot, but that's separate from a completely unrelated argument about FIFA world cup.

With respect to BCCI involvement, I am not sure which particular point you are referring to, but as I said myself there's nothing outrageous about suggesting BCCI might be involved in influencing ACB and BCB, given their comments. Those comments came in the very recent past about how cricket shouldn't be played with "countries that support terrorism" or something to that effect. Given India's attempts globally to isolate Pakistan and get it bankrupt, it would be shocking if BCCI is not trying to influence at least some boards, especially those boards that are more likely to tour like ACB and BCB.

No need to engage and try to justify any argument with him. He knows your argument very well but is so prejudice against everything Pakistan that he will still disagree with you.

 

[Hasan123]

Call them names? What is a coward?

According to some players will only come for money which isn’t true. We are no one to decide where is safe for another human.

 

[Rana]

According to some players will only come for money which isn’t true. We are no one to decide where is safe for another human.

Going by that logic, Pakistan is well within its rights to not tour England or Australia on the grounds of ‘not feeling safe’ for whatever reason, and then expect the ICC to not intervene and force them to tour. No points being deducted and no sharing of expenses for a different venue.

 

[ads101]

Hopefully things change but at the moment it's the governments who are deeming Pakistan as unsafe. You can't blame the boards, just look at the official travel advice from countries relating to Pakistan. You can't blame the cricketers or board, I wouldn't want to travel to a country deemed as unsafe. This has to change first.

A big issue is teams also prefer going to UAE. Safer, more touristy, great facilities. There's little reason to choose Pakistan over UAE in their eyes, it's one of the most sought after tourist spots. Pakistan really needs to advertise itself better as a place for tourists. It's why countries like India and particularly Sri Lanka still attract people despite problems there, because they're still seen as good tourist destinations.

 

[Cypher]

Hopefully things change but at the moment it's the governments who are deeming Pakistan as unsafe. You can't blame the boards, just look at the official travel advice from countries relating to Pakistan. You can't blame the cricketers or board, I wouldn't want to travel to a country deemed as unsafe. This has to change first.

A big issue is teams also prefer going to UAE. Safer, more touristy, great facilities. There's little reason to choose Pakistan over UAE in their eyes, it's one of the most sought after tourist spots. Pakistan really needs to advertise itself better as a place for tourists. It's why countries like India and particularly Sri Lanka still attract people despite problems there, because they're still seen as good tourist destinations.

Let's make this clear.
The travel advisories prohibit any travel to Balochistan, Azad Kashmir etc not to Lahore, Islamabad or the other major cities.
The major cities are EXTREMELY safe.
Just look at the statistics.
There were 11000 deaths due to terrorism in Pakistan in 2009. This year there have only been around 300, that's less than India's (500). There hasn't been a single major (30+ deaths) terror attack this year in Pakistan. That's quite an achievement

This just shows how safe Pakistan is.
It's just the perception that needs to change not the security.

 

[ahsan17]

Hopefully things change but at the moment it's the governments who are deeming Pakistan as unsafe. You can't blame the boards, just look at the official travel advice from countries relating to Pakistan. You can't blame the cricketers or board, I wouldn't want to travel to a country deemed as unsafe. This has to change first.

A big issue is teams also prefer going to UAE. Safer, more touristy, great facilities. There's little reason to choose Pakistan over UAE in their eyes, it's one of the most sought after tourist spots. Pakistan really needs to advertise itself better as a place for tourists. It's why countries like India and particularly Sri Lanka still attract people despite problems there, because they're still seen as good tourist destinations.

The lack of safety is already negated by data. Government advisories are usually based on politics and also blow minor risks out of proportion. Look at how they rate many other places that are otherwise very safe to visit. The data ultimately shows Pakistan is actually safer than when teams used to regularly tour Pakistan. And not just a little safer, but a lot safer.

As for Pakistan not being touristy enough, I don't agree with that, but even if cricketers from other countries think so, that is not a reasonable excuse. I can't imagine how hard FIFA would come down on someone using that kind of excuse. Professional athletes' first priority should be to play sport. The fact of the matter is ICC has been very weak on this matter. There was a much worse incident with a football team in Africa and ICC came down hard on anyone using that as an excuse.

 

[KohliKafan]

Kaka's net worth is $105 million. BCCI's net worth is $10 billion.

 

[KohliKafan]

yet your PCB or prime minister cnt convince a team to visit Pakistan. yet 10 of Sri Lankan players chose not to travel to Pakistan & those who travelled were locked inside their hotels like they are on a house arrest. maybe you wanna solve your own issues before pointing fingers at others

 

[Rana]

Kaka's net worth is $105 million. BCCI's net worth is $10 billion.

BCCI is worth $400m not 10B loooooooool

ACB is worth around $40m and ECB approximately the same. Kaka is worth more than ACB, ECB and NZCB put together

 

[KohliKafan]

so basically bcci can buy all the boards and kaka together and still have cents left for people like you? because BCCI sold IPL Rights from 2018-2022 for $2.18 billion. alone. We are not even calculating LOI matches or test cricket or brand deals.

 

[cricketjoshila]

BCCI is worth $400m not 10B loooooooool

ACB is worth around $40m and ECB approximately the same. Kaka is worth more than ACB, ECB and NZCB put together

$400mn was BCCI's annual revenue couple of years back. Not their worth lol.

IPL alone has a brand value of $6.8bn.

 

[Rana]

so basically bcci can buy all the boards and kaka together and still have cents left for people like you? because BCCI sold IPL Rights from 2018-2022 for $2.18 billion. alone. We are not even calculating LOI matches or test cricket or brand deals.

BCCI is still no one in comparison to Kaka. What does that say about global image? You think all of South America and Europe know what IPL is? But they all know Kaka and Ronaldinho. The point is, your ‘extra cents’ are the sole reason why people choose to visit India which is actually as impoverished if not worse than Pakistan. India is as safe as Pakistan is. It’s probably more unsafe for women to visit India than it is to visit Pakistan.

 

[cricketjoshila]

BCCI is still no one in comparison to Kaka. What does that say about global image? You think all of South America and Europe know what IPL is? But they all know Kaka and Ronaldinho. The point is, your ‘extra cents’ are the sole reason why people choose to visit India which is actually as impoverished if not worse than Pakistan. India is as safe as Pakistan is. It’s probably more unsafe for women to visit India than it is to visit Pakistan.

Your ranting here is not changing anything. Kaka or Ronaldinho are not helping bring back cricket teams to pakistan.Are they?

Players come to india as no player was shot by terrorists and injured in India.

You think cricket teams care if kaka or Ronaldinho visited pakistan? Dont think so.

You have a inferiority and victim complex.

Bcci can pay and hire many likes kaka and ronaldinho like has beens.lol. But bcci is not in a desperate situation that indian fans have to fall back on tours of retired footballers to try to get a cricket match.

 

[Varun]

BCCI is still no one in comparison to Kaka. What does that say about global image? You think all of South America and Europe know what IPL is? But they all know Kaka and Ronaldinho. The point is, your ‘extra cents’ are the sole reason why people choose to visit India which is actually as impoverished if not worse than Pakistan. India is as safe as Pakistan is. It’s probably more unsafe for women to visit India than it is to visit Pakistan.

Will Kaka and Ronaldinho ensure that football teams from South America play in Pakistan though? No.

 

[Rana]

Your ranting here is not changing anything. Kaka or Ronaldinho are not helping bring back cricket teams to pakistan.Are they?

Players come to india as no player was shot by terrorists and injured in India.

You think cricket teams care if kaka or Ronaldinho visited pakistan? Dont think so.

You have a inferiority and victim complex.

Bcci can pay and hire many likes kaka and ronaldinho like has beens.lol. But bcci is not in a desperate situation that indian fans have to fall back on tours of retired footballers to try to get a cricket match.

Why does it hurt your ego so much that you can’t have a bigger brand than 1 or 2 individuals who proved Pakistan is safe?