Pakistan Cricket will not cease to exist. We will thrive.

[ExpressPacer]

I'm not a particularly religious person but I would like to begin my post in these depressing times with some religious wisdom. Allah says that when someone works hard for something, he reaps the rewards for his hard work. There are similar notions associated with hard work in Hinduism and practically every culture. Western society lives by the feeble of hard work never going unnoticed and that someday rewards follow.

Pakistan and the PCB have put the hard yards in over the last decade to ensure that cricket returns to Pakistan. I will not elaborate as to the specificities of this hard work as everyone already knows about this. For all my friends worried about Pakistan going back to the dark days of the 2010s, I assure you, we have put in the hard work, we have improved our security situation. This was not all for nothing. No country, no power and no person can change the fact that Pakistan is much safer now than what it was a decade ago. And therefore, positive news will continue to come. Yes, there will be setbacks such as NZC and ECB pulling out but these will be temporary and will be outweighed by the advances we will make.

I've lived in Pakistan my entire life and I saw before my own eyes how the security situation drastically improved. I don't think this will go to waste.

For everyone who disagrees with me, I have some personal wisdom for you. This isn't based on patriotism but rather empirical evidence over the course of my life. Pakistan Cricket will not cease to exist because of this setback. In 2009, we feared the death of Pakistan Cricket. However, not only did we survive but we thrived. We won the 2009 WC, we became the Asian Champions, we held the Test mace, we won Champions Trophy and we had cricket return to our soil. Heck, we even had New Zealand's cricket team practice for a week in my hometown. You can call these things a fluke but they happened. Nothing can change that.

Cricket will be back. Mark my words.

 

[Titan24]

Good post with open expression of feelings and with “hope” being light bearer amongst everything else.

 

[JaDed]

Good post bro, all the best to Pakistani cricket fans in Pakistan.

 

[OMB]

We all hope that the home series will be back again and cricket as a game prospers.
Never give up, never say never

 

[Savak]

Pakistan will survive and Pakistan Cricket will survive for sure. But it's time to now get even with the West

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Pakistan should take this as an opportunity to build a healthy game at home. They are lucky in a lot of ways that they have the second most fanatic fan base in the world after India. That means there will always be people willing to pay to watch them....if they can get the product right.

NZ are a fine team right now, but even so, most of their public probably watch rugby or football rather than cricket so I would say there is more of a future for Pakistan cricket. Maybe games with white countries will become a rarity rather than a regular thing.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

I'm not a particularly religious person but I would like to begin my post in these depressing times with some religious wisdom. Allah says that when someone works hard for something, he reaps the rewards for his hard work. There are similar notions associated with hard work in Hinduism and practically every culture. Western society lives by the feeble of hard work never going unnoticed and that someday rewards follow.

Pakistan and the PCB have put the hard yards in over the last decade to ensure that cricket returns to Pakistan. I will not elaborate as to the specificities of this hard work as everyone already knows about this. For all my friends worried about Pakistan going back to the dark days of the 2010s, I assure you, we have put in the hard work, we have improved our security situation. This was not all for nothing. No country, no power and no person can change the fact that Pakistan is much safer now than what it was a decade ago. And therefore, positive news will continue to come. Yes, there will be setbacks such as NZC and ECB pulling out but these will be temporary and will be outweighed by the advances we will make.

I've lived in Pakistan my entire life and I saw before my own eyes how the security situation drastically improved. I don't think this will go to waste.

For everyone who disagrees with me, I have some personal wisdom for you. This isn't based on patriotism but rather empirical evidence over the course of my life. Pakistan Cricket will not cease to exist because of this setback. In 2009, we feared the death of Pakistan Cricket. However, not only did we survive but we thrived. We won the 2009 WC, we became the Asian Champions, we held the Test mace, we won Champions Trophy and we had cricket return to our soil. Heck, we even had New Zealand's cricket team practice for a week in my hometown. You can call these things a fluke but they happened. Nothing can change that.

Cricket will be back. Mark my words.

This is a very fine post and in fact my nomination for POTW. Compared to a lot of emotional and outraged (for good reasons) posting this one actually looks at a historical trend. As an Indian I see how much Pakistan’s society has improved since the dark days.

Despite the political shenanigans and infighting you are a much more mature democracy.

Say what you will about the man, and I don’t intend to get involved in your internal affairs, but Imran Khan brings a lot of gravitas to the PM’s role.

We hear fewer incidents of violence now as compare to the days when every single day it seems there was some massacre or the other.

Of course whether the Taliban (actually TTP and groups like it) become a threat to Pakistan remains to be seen. But the overall trend in your country is positive.

Which is the reason I think that in the end this will strengthen Pakistan cricket - already there is a growing awareness that Pakistan was very hard done by. All it needs is for PCB and the government to chalk out a course of action that is steadfast and consistent - whatever it is.

 

[Rana]

Yeah

Sorry

It will be very hard to come back now. A lot of us will not be here as fans to see it happen

 

[dildilpak]

I genuinely think this is a temperory setback & just a knee jerk reaction to the Taliban settling in the neighborhood. Give it a year - let people see that being Taliban’s neighbor doesnt affect Pakistani security much & also after say a couple of successful tours from the smaller nations & you never know, things could be much improved again.

But it all depends on how much the Pakistani establishment is able to exert control on the rogue elements of Taliban. They have to walk on a tightrope here - controlling rogue elements without appearing to be too pally with them.

 

[sam_ahm]

Pretty much what I've been saying. Pakistan needs to relax, play a few series in UAE if need be, host PSL successfully next year and I'm absolutely certain ECB, CA, and NZC will eventually tour. Pak have not gone back to 2009, things were far worse at the time. Spoiling relations and threatening not to play will only harm Pakistan. Like it or not.

It will still be good though if PCB put New Zealand last on the list of teams to be invited.

 

[Saj]

The biggest concern is that the NZ tour was supposed to be the dawn of a new era when Western teams were supposed to start touring Pakistan and that has not happened. This hurts and the way it has been done stinks.

People will try to remain positive but at this time there isn't a lot to be positive about I guess.

 

[Savak]

The biggest concern is that the NZ tour was supposed to be the dawn of a new era when Western teams were supposed to start touring Pakistan and that has not happened. This hurts and the way it has been done stinks.

People will try to remain positive but at this time there isn't a lot to be positive about I guess.

Not really. This will give the PCB the biggest coffee in the world. That is they have to be absolutely self reliant and find resources within the Pakistani economy to not only self sustain but also to thrive. There are no true friends in this world.

 

[Saj]

Not really. This will give the PCB the biggest coffee in the world. That is they have to be absolutely self reliant and find resources within the Pakistani economy to not only self sustain but also to thrive. There are no true friends in this world.

Easier said than done.

If several countries will not tour Pakistan they will end up playing the Zimbabwes of this world again and again which achieves nothing in terms of player development or financial gains.

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

The only way Pakistan cricket thrives is if its economy thrives. If they have sponsors, broadcasters, fans etc. pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into Pakistani cricket. Pakistan as a nation isn't in that position and won't be for a long time, so their chances of sticking it to the likes of England or New Zealand isn't happening anytime soon.

 

[ManFan]

Pakistan cricket cannot thrive.

It can either bend and survive, or stand and starve.

 

[ExpressPacer]

The biggest concern is that the NZ tour was supposed to be the dawn of a new era when Western teams were supposed to start touring Pakistan and that has not happened. This hurts and the way it has been done stinks.

People will try to remain positive but at this time there isn't a lot to be positive about I guess.

Saj brother, with all due respect, if it happened once, it will happen again. And it wont take that long of a time this time because we already have other countries touring and Western cricketers playing here in the PSL, the precedent is set. It will probably only take a couple of years now.

 

[ExpressPacer]

The only way Pakistan cricket thrives is if its economy thrives. If they have sponsors, broadcasters, fans etc. pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into Pakistani cricket. Pakistan as a nation isn't in that position and won't be for a long time, so their chances of sticking it to the likes of England or New Zealand isn't happening anytime soon.

I disagree with you brother. We were not a superpower yet we got NZC to visit and we amended things despite the 2009 attack. We are in a better position now than what we were during those times. Things will only be get better from this point onwards.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Good post bro, all the best to Pakistani cricket fans in Pakistan.

Thank you, brother. I wish you the best of luck too for the upcoming WC.

 

[ExpressPacer]

This is a very fine post and in fact my nomination for POTW. Compared to a lot of emotional and outraged (for good reasons) posting this one actually looks at a historical trend. As an Indian I see how much Pakistan’s society has improved since the dark days.

Despite the political shenanigans and infighting you are a much more mature democracy.

Say what you will about the man, and I don’t intend to get involved in your internal affairs, but Imran Khan brings a lot of gravitas to the PM’s role.

We hear fewer incidents of violence now as compare to the days when every single day it seems there was some massacre or the other.

Of course whether the Taliban (actually TTP and groups like it) become a threat to Pakistan remains to be seen. But the overall trend in your country is positive.

Which is the reason I think that in the end this will strengthen Pakistan cricket - already there is a growing awareness that Pakistan was very hard done by. All it needs is for PCB and the government to chalk out a course of action that is steadfast and consistent - whatever it is.

Amazing post bro. As you are not a Pakistani, you are better able to look at things objectively. Therefore, thank you for your perspective. I myself grew up in a Pakistan where bombings in Islamabad were happening left, right and centre. Every year, as we would return to school, the boundary walls would increase by a foot. Eventually, there were barbed wires and gunmen guarding the school. In the moment, you don't realise it because everyone is going through it collectively, but this spells great insecurity in the minds of the people.

Now, 10 or so years later, the security situation is much improved. There has been a recent upsurge in violence from the TTP but I see it as a last-ditch effort from these terrorists before they will finally be finished.

 

[Afzal_K]

Flip side, PAK Players will have good rest. Practice hard hard hard for WT20, ppl who are saying IPL players will have practice, remember they are not all playing for India, only few and with Virat tension and form, their game is sooooo down so we will WIN that for sure, once we have that

Khuda Kasam - GUSSA DAALO baki teamo ki

 

[Manzy2599]

Pakistan should take this as an opportunity to build a healthy game at home. They are lucky in a lot of ways that they have the second most fanatic fan base in the world after India. That means there will always be people willing to pay to watch them....if they can get the product right.

NZ are a fine team right now, but even so, most of their public probably watch rugby or football rather than cricket so I would say there is more of a future for Pakistan cricket. Maybe games with white countries will become a rarity rather than a regular thing.

True, Pakistan cricket will defined thrive under ramiz and I feel babar will take them into the right direction, they just need to fix their approach and mindset and play with confidence all the time.

Regarding NZ they are a sport loving nation and even with a population of around 5 million they compete and are always among the top in all type of sports. This is because of the positive sporting culture that is developed from primary schools where everyone is encouraged to find what they like and pursue it.

Cricket is still a major sport in NZ especially in the summer as it is the main “summer sport”. Rugby and Football are also huge but they are considered “winter sports” so there’s a good range and most of the country is behind the team no matter what the sport.

Cricket became huge in NZ after Brendon Mccullum changed the mindset from 2014 onwards, then williamson has carried it forward and the 2019 WC final and 2021 WTC have ensured that the game has continuously grown.

The large ethnic groups in NZ, especially Indians, Pakistanis, English and Aussies will ensure that cricket will always be a popular sport in the country.

Infact sky sports who have been the main cricket broadcasters for around 35 years here have had to come up with tough contracts with spark sport to share the NZ cricket rights which shows how much the game has developed here.

The main message should be if a small country of 5 million can turn it around and become world beaters, why can’t Pakistan with around 230 million cricket fanatics. The change has got to start at the top and I believe strongly in Ramiz Raja and Babar Azam!!

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

Amazing post bro. As you are not a Pakistani, you are better able to look at things objectively. Therefore, thank you for your perspective. I myself grew up in a Pakistan where bombings in Islamabad were happening left, right and centre. Every year, as we would return to school, the boundary walls would increase by a foot. Eventually, there were barbed wires and gunmen guarding the school. In the moment, you don't realise it because everyone is going through it collectively, but this spells great insecurity in the minds of the people.

Now, 10 or so years later, the security situation is much improved. There has been a recent upsurge in violence from the TTP but I see it as a last-ditch effort from these terrorists before they will finally be finished.

Apologies if this sounds like a political post but it’s an attempt to link to the cricket.

First, great on -ground perspective of those days.

I agree that the TTP’s recent activities are probably more the hopeful twitching of a dying entity, than a renaissance. I’d suspect the Pakistani security forces have learned a thing or two not to make the same mistakes again.

However, a somewhat important factor in PCB’s success as a cricketing host will be how much (and if) Pakistan can moderate the Taliban in Afghanistan. It’s obvious that today Pakistan is the decisive voice in that regard.

Pakistan can’t certainly disassociate itself from the Taliban - that would be politically and strategically impossible - but it can act as a moderating influence. Right now the allied withdrawal is too fresh in everyone’s minds, but over time, if the Taliban doesn’t go full despot regime, listens to criticism, is seen to make an effort, it will I suspect make a difference. In any case my sense is that Pakistan today is a much more stronger institutionally and in terms of collective leadership - so there’s every reason for hope.

 

[Advaith]

There is a chance that sports activities will start between India and Pakistan ..It is my strong feeling that Modi govt will be open for this in next year ..If in that passage of time pakistan initiates talks then most of cricketing problems related to pakistan will resolve automatically ..

 

[ExpressPacer]

There is a chance that sports activities will start between India and Pakistan ..It is my strong feeling that Modi govt will be open for this in next year ..If in that passage of time pakistan initiates talks then most of cricketing problems related to pakistan will resolve automatically ..

What makes you say that bro? I feel like anti-Pakistan sentiment in India is at an all time high at the moment. Modi Sahab will keep this up because nationalist sentiment helps to win elections. But I hope you are right.

 

[Itachi]

Ofcourse cricket will be back.

Its the lack of patience of bringing cricket to Pakistan is harming more than anything.

Just wait out the time and meanwhile rebuild a team that could match the top 3. Once you are at the position of force to reckon, cricket will be back automatically.

As of now, Pakistan is no where near the top 3 quality wise. First take care of your own team and rest will automatically fall in the places.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Ofcourse cricket will be back.

Its the lack of patience of bringing cricket to Pakistan is harming more than anything.

Just wait out the time and meanwhile rebuild a team that could match the top 3. Once you are at the position of force to reckon, cricket will be back automatically.

As of now, Pakistan is no where near the top 3 quality wise. First take care of your own team and rest will automatically fall in the places.

Good point about rebuilding the team and how that will bring cricket back. However, I don't think Pakistan needs to necessarily become a world-beating team to get cricket back in Pakistan. Cricket will be back because this isn't a huge setback. Pakistan can stay the average yet often brilliant team that it is, and cricket will still be back. Pakistan can regress as a cricketing nation and cricket will STILL be back. That is because while Pakistan becoming better at cricket might facilitate the process of cricket coming back, the two are not mutually exclusive.

Cricket coming back to Pakistan is dependent on one thing and one thing only - SECURITY. As far as Pakistan is able to prove to the world that it is a secure country to play cricket in, cricket will return. This time, it will take a lot shorter than what it did in the aftermath of the 2009 event.

Many international teams are still willing to tour Pakistan, many international players, coaches, umpires and officials, even those from Western countries, are willing to come to Pakistan as part of PSL, and security teams have consistently given Pakistan a "SAFE" score. Other than that, tourism is continuing to grow because the security situation has gotten better.

What Pakistan fans need to understand is that New Zealand and England pulling is a setback, yes. However, it does not change the fact that Pakistan has all of these other good things going for it. Therefore, from my knowledge how of the world works, I would say that within the next couple of years, cricket will be back in full swing, including from countries in the West. All of this provided that the security situation continues to improve, which realistically, I think it will continue to improve.

 

[MP2011]

I'm not a particularly religious person but I would like to begin my post in these depressing times with some religious wisdom. Allah says that when someone works hard for something, he reaps the rewards for his hard work. There are similar notions associated with hard work in Hinduism and practically every culture. Western society lives by the feeble of hard work never going unnoticed and that someday rewards follow.

Pakistan and the PCB have put the hard yards in over the last decade to ensure that cricket returns to Pakistan. I will not elaborate as to the specificities of this hard work as everyone already knows about this. For all my friends worried about Pakistan going back to the dark days of the 2010s, I assure you, we have put in the hard work, we have improved our security situation. This was not all for nothing. No country, no power and no person can change the fact that Pakistan is much safer now than what it was a decade ago. And therefore, positive news will continue to come. Yes, there will be setbacks such as NZC and ECB pulling out but these will be temporary and will be outweighed by the advances we will make.

I've lived in Pakistan my entire life and I saw before my own eyes how the security situation drastically improved. I don't think this will go to waste.

For everyone who disagrees with me, I have some personal wisdom for you. This isn't based on patriotism but rather empirical evidence over the course of my life. Pakistan Cricket will not cease to exist because of this setback. In 2009, we feared the death of Pakistan Cricket. However, not only did we survive but we thrived. We won the 2009 WC, we became the Asian Champions, we held the Test mace, we won Champions Trophy and we had cricket return to our soil. Heck, we even had New Zealand's cricket team practice for a week in my hometown. You can call these things a fluke but they happened. Nothing can change that.

Cricket will be back. Mark my words.

Very well said! Pakistan is indeed much safer than it was earlier. It's absolutely heartbreaking to see a visiting team backing out moments before the toss and then another team backing out in the name of the 'welfare' of its players.

Cricket will be back in Pakistan!

I hope you guys get teams to tour you, home tours are absolutely necessary for any team to progress. Also needed is a sound economy that will attract people to Pakistan.

 

[Robert]

Pakistan will survive and Pakistan Cricket will survive for sure. But it's time to now get even with the West

Or reach an honourable compromise and carry on playing in UAE.

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

I disagree with you brother. We were not a superpower yet we got NZC to visit and we amended things despite the 2009 attack.

You got them to visit and then they left without telling what the security threat was. That's not what "thriving" is. You're at their mercy.

 

[drubwrubnat]

The only way Pakistan cricket thrives is if its economy thrives. If they have sponsors, broadcasters, fans etc. pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into Pakistani cricket. Pakistan as a nation isn't in that position and won't be for a long time, so their chances of sticking it to the likes of England or New Zealand isn't happening anytime soon.

Dont be under the impression that India is a thriving economy just because we ve plucked some low hanging fruits of the telecom/internet revolution. Have a look at Indias GDP per capita & average IQ. With humility, dont bother replying

 

[Itachi]

Dont be under the impression that India is a thriving economy just because we ve plucked some low hanging fruits of the telecom/internet revolution. Have a look at Indias GDP per capita & average IQ. With humility, dont bother replying

I don't think his post was related to GDP per capita or average IQ. You failed to read the gist of the post. It was more related to attracting investors.

 

[PakLFC]

Pak will prosper in time I have no doubt about it. All these countries refusing to play Pak will be humiliated and begging to play us. Already many English journalists are attacking their own country for it's double standards.