Pakistan going overboard with 'hospitality'? Would we get the same treatment in Australia?

[MenInG]

I understand we are very grateful to Australia for visiting us but I feel that some of the cheesy banners at the ground and this kind of stuff taking the edge out of the series and removing the home advantage...

Your view?

 

[Rana]

Pakistan cricket went down the cringe path ages ago since Wasim Khan joined and built the social media presence.

What do you expect from a country that has Babar Azam and Rizwan as its poster boys?

 

[Ab Fan]

Pakistan don't play home matches as regularly. So, this is a special occasion for them and hence to attract other teams it is important to go overboard with hospitality.

Australia don't need to go overboard. Most batters in the world dream to hit a test century in Australia and most bowlers dream to take a 5-fer.

This is where all the difference lies.

 

[Saj]

I know it's 24 years since Australia toured Pakistan but some of the adulation for the Australian team and the over the top reactions are a bit cringeworthy.

Would Pakistan get such treatment? No chance.

It wasn't that long ago when sniffer dogs would always greet the Pakistani cricketers when they landed in Australia.

 

[Sarwar89]

After Peshawar mosque attack, i can bet 10 cents that had it been New Zealand, Ireland or England, they would have abandoned the tour with immediate effect.
There is massive credit which Australian team deserves and i think Pat Cummins had got lot to do with it. Anyone remembers Tim Paine comments “ It is a country where some players might not go” i think Ponting, Clarke, Steven waugh as captains deep down were never interested in visiting Pakistan.
Captain sets the tone. This Aussie team came with 100% full strength side. This tour will eventually bring complete intl cricket back in pakistan including

2025 icc champions trophy.

 

[Sarwar89]

I know it's 24 years since Australia toured Pakistan but some of the adulation for the Australian team and the over the top reactions are a bit cringeworthy.

Would Pakistan get such treatment? No chance.

It wasn't that long ago when sniffer dogs would always greet the Pakistani cricketers when they landed in Australia.

Australia is a first world country. They do not even care whether it is Djokovic or anyone else.

Obviously When Kiwis/English abandoned our tours, our neighbours left and right were very happy. It is a diplomatic strategic win for Pakistan that Aussies have come for full tour and as good show of gesture decent hospitality is something they deserved.

I remember back in 1994-1998 Tours of Mark TAylor ‘s team, our hospitality was not great at all, Aussies were dealt as any other team cuz at that time we did not have issues of security and teams hesitating to visit pakistan. And actually in 1996 world cup final Lahore crowd supported Ranatunga, I was there in the stadium, ( something Ponting, Deceased Warne, Even Taylor himself complained later that Pakistani crowd did not support us, but in 1992 world cup final, Aussie crowd at MCG supported Pakistan. When Illingworth took Imran’s catch, almost 87000 people mostly 90% Aussies stood up and gave perfect farewell to Imran’s last innings.

 

[realitygaf]

If anything, knowing that we adhere to our faith (sajda and all). one of the principle ettiquetes of a muslim is to treat any guest like loyalty, even if its better than what the guest would do at their home.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I think most Pakistanis who are saying that Pakistan is going overboard with adulation have been overseas for far too long. This is part of Pakistani culture and I can tell you that every single Pakistani that follows cricket passionately is extremely grateful to Australia for having toured.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I know it's 24 years since Australia toured Pakistan but some of the adulation for the Australian team and the over the top reactions are a bit cringeworthy.

Would Pakistan get such treatment? No chance.

It wasn't that long ago when sniffer dogs would always greet the Pakistani cricketers when they landed in Australia.

I am a Pakistani born and bred in Pakistan that follows cricket very passionately. I’ve grown up here deprived of cricket and Australia has toured despite many security question marks and after NZ/Eng pulled out.

We are extremely grateful. Pakistanis are generally very hospitable people to begin with but right now, everyone is extremely grateful to Australia - the No.1 team. The overall vibe in the stadium from the fans was one of gratitude. I spoke to a few people who literally said that we should sure the Aussie team for coming and I agree with him.

Also, I disagree with your premise that we shouldn’t treat them in this way because we aren’t treated as good when we tour. Good human beings treat others kindly and with love irrespective of what they get in return. Moreover, I’ve recently spent a bit of time in NZ and Australia and my experience has been of warmth and hospitality.

 

[ExpressPacer]

There was a vibe of gratitude among the fans each time I visited the stadium. I can tell you one thing, Pakistanis are very well aware the Australia has done them a favour. And the Pakistani people don’t take this lightly - I can tell you for a fact that if Australia has made friends and fans for life in Pakistani cricket fans. I’m pretty sure that people would be determined to support Australia even in non-cricket forums because sports really bring people together.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yeah I agree its way too much. Its cringeworthy.

Pakistanis have this annoying habit of bending over backwards for Westerners in general. You'd think they'd start by treating their own people better first, but no. And this is an extension of that.

They have a yearning to be adored by people from the West and honestly its just sad. You shouldn't care this much about what others think about you.

And being hospitable is one thing but Pakistanis tend to go overboard with this. Its needless because Pakistanis or Pakistani cricketers would not receive the same treatment anywhere in the world.

 

[Savak]

This tour can open doors for high profile Australian players playing in the PSL especially if it is held in a window after the IPL.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Pakistan cricket went down the cringe path ages ago since Wasim Khan joined and built the social media presence.

What do you expect from a country that has Babar Azam and Rizwan as its poster boys?

Pakistan is rightly grateful to Australia. I finally got to see a game of cricket in my home town and I couldn’t be more grateful to the Aussies for making this possible.

 

[Savak]

Pakistan by nature is very well known for hospitality especially the pashtun northwestern regions.

What we are seeing with the Aussies is nothing different.

And no we are not bending over, we put James Faulkner in his place as well when it was needed

 

[ExpressPacer]

Yeah I agree its way too much. Its cringeworthy.

Pakistanis have this annoying habit of bending over backwards for Westerners in general. You'd think they'd start by treating their own people better first, but no. And this is an extension of that.

They have a yearning to be adored by people from the West and honestly its just sad. For some people I feel, it comes out of an inferiority complex.

And being hospitable is one thing but Pakistanis tend to go overboard with this. Its needless because Pakistanis or Pakistani cricketers would not receive the same treatment anywhere in the world.

Highly disagree. I don’t think we have gone overboard at all. This was extremely monumental for Pakistan and Pakistani cricket fans. Had India toured, Pakistanis would have had the same reaction. I mean, India hasn’t even toured and there are placards yearning for a Kohli century in Pakistan. Is that an admiration of the West?

Pakistanis are just extremely grateful and very rightly so.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Pakistani hospitality is world renowned.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Also, feel like we need to stop with this 'we are grateful to Australia' stuff.

Why should we be grateful to them for finally touring Pakistan after 24 years? A time-period in which literally every other country in the world has toured multiple times.

Are Australians special? Are they doing us a favor by following through with their FTP commitments that they committed to? Is Pakistan some kind of warzone where touring is some kind of an achievement?

These are all questions Pakistani fans should reflect on before acting like aliens landed on earth and the country they chose to come to was Pakistan.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Highly disagree. I don’t think we have gone overboard at all. This was extremely monumental for Pakistan and Pakistani cricket fans. Had India toured, Pakistanis would have had the same reaction. I mean, India hasn’t even toured and there are placards yearning for a Kohli century in Pakistan. Is that an admiration of the West?

Pakistanis are just extremely grateful and very rightly so.

I would argue that the Sri Lanka series was even more historic. Because the Sri Lankans were the first ones to play a test series here after being the last ones to play one here. It was a far more cathartic moment and tour than this one. And as someone who went to both test matches at Pindi (the one against Sri Lanka in 2019 and the one against Australia) I can assure you there was a massive difference to the way players were treated by the crowd.

And its not just with cricketers. Pakistanis have a tendency to act like this with any Western tourist or vlogger. I have noticed it enough times now to know its a thing.

 

[Markhor]

I would argue that the Sri Lanka series was even more historic. Because the Sri Lankans were the first ones to play a test series here after being the last ones to play one here. It was a far more cathartic moment and tour than this one. And as someone who went to both test matches at Pindi (the one against Sri Lanka in 2019 and the one against Australia) I can assure you there was a massive difference to the way players were treated by the crowd.

And its not just with cricketers. Pakistanis have a tendency to act like this with any Western tourist or vlogger. I have noticed it enough times now to know its a thing.

Sri Lanka do not get enough credit for their contributions to Pakistan cricket.

Despite being victims of the 2009 attack, they were the first team to tour Pakistan for Tests. A true friend.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

I would argue that the Sri Lanka series was even more historic. Because the Sri Lankans were the first ones to play a test series here after being the last ones to play one here. It was a far more cathartic moment and tour than this one. And as someone who went to both test matches at Pindi (the one against Sri Lanka in 2019 and the one against Australia) I can assure you there was a massive difference to the way players were treated by the crowd.

And its not just with cricketers. Pakistanis have a tendency to act like this with any Western tourist or vlogger. I have noticed it enough times now to know its a thing.

Lol same thing happens in India too. A friend and former classmate (white) came to visit me and he was treated like a celebrity over here. When we went out with my friend circle, random people came and click pictures with him. It was embarrassing to explain. He was also wondering why is it happening. I can only imagine what would happen if he was a girl. This never happens to us desi people, anywhere in this world. Sad state of affairs.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Any touring team going to India, Sri Lanka or Pakistan is going to get high-level security.

Rather than letting this perception dissipate naturally over the course of time, Pakistanis like to boast about their ability to provide the highest level of security to cricketers that is reserved for foreign dignitaries. None of this helps in changing perception, mind you. Because once you start boasting about this stuff you are basically telling the average non-Pakistani viewer that the players are a target.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Lol same thing happens in India too. A friend and former classmate (white) came to visit me and he was treated like a celebrity over here. When we went out with my friend circle, random people came and click pictures with him. It was embarrassing to explain. He was also wondering why is it happening. I can only imagine what would happen if he was a girl. This never happens to us desi people, anywhere in this world. Sad state of affairs.

Might just be a desi thing but I can relate. The most recent such incident I encountered was actually yesterday. There were a couple of Australians in my stand on Day 5. And honestly it was sad to see how desperate people in the crowd were to take pictures with them...as if they were celebrities!

This desperate need for approval and acceptance is just sad.

 

[Slim]

We are very grateful to Australia and its perfect for all the right reasons. Lets not create mountain out of molehills.

 

[Fenrir]

I think once teams starts touring Pakistan regularly then things will get to normal.

 

[hitthestump]

The post-colonial mentality is something that India are guilty of more than anyone. And they have all the power right now whilst Pak has none.

The topic of how previously colonised nations treat their former white masters is a very complex one and we could be discussing it for years.

 

[Babeikh]

I don't think it is a colonial mentality. I would bet every penny I earn that if India come to Pakistan they will get the same hospitality as the Aussies are getting now, if not more.

 

[Major]

Nothing wrong if its the fans and different businesses doing it.

At the end of the day, this Karachi hotel is able to promote themselves through the player snaps. Had it been the PCB than yes the topic would had stood that we are bending over backwards.

This I feel is nothing wrong as its the common people and the business that are doing it.

I think this is where India and Pakistan differ. India resents foreigners alot and they try to to makesure that the foreigners respect them and wont bend backwards due to massive egos. Pakistan isnt like that and we are quite hospitable.

After the way the people killed that Sri Lanka factory worker, its good that we are able to move on from those scenes by treating other foreigners with respect and hospitality.

As Savak said it isnt just the cricketers, any foreigner that comes to Pakistan will get same treatment.

The reason for that is simple, foreign people in Pakistan is very rare. Growing up in this terrorist infested land, we never saw foreigners in this country except for very isolated locations. Thus, when we see foreigners in our country its a very rare sight. THe other day i saw a few foreigners on mall road and it was a rare sight for me aswell. Even though i have lived in foreign lands. So for the locals it is a different reaction and they welcome them.

I understand that we probably wouldnt get the same treatment in their lands, but that doesnt mean we the locals change their personality. Every person from different areas is different.

The indian team has mentioned that when they used to come over, they used to get free stuff from the shop keepers.

 

[Major]

I would argue that the Sri Lanka series was even more historic. Because the Sri Lankans were the first ones to play a test series here after being the last ones to play one here. It was a far more cathartic moment and tour than this one. And as someone who went to both test matches at Pindi (the one against Sri Lanka in 2019 and the one against Australia) I can assure you there was a massive difference to the way players were treated by the crowd.

And its not just with cricketers. Pakistanis have a tendency to act like this with any Western tourist or vlogger. I have noticed it enough times now to know its a thing.

This is the Rickey Ponting effect. Australia is still remembered as that team to beat in the minds of Pakistanis even today. Even after 10 years since ponting and co left. Sri lanka yes was a decent team but the brand Australia had become, no team could achieve that. It was pure dominance.

England has achieved that brand, especially after winning the world cup. Even today pakistanis respect the aussies and look at them as the team to beat because of the style of cricket they were known to play

 

[Civil]

This is all good...as long as we try to win the series. Don't show this gentleness on the pitch as well.

 

[gibsyhesperis]

There is a TV series on Indian cricket history, narrated by Nasserrudin Shah, called Mid Wicket Tales — I think it was on Amazon Prime.
I watched the episode on matches and series vs Pakistan.
There was an Indian player (can’t remember which one ? vengsarkar) talking about touring Pakistan — he made a point of commenting on the amazing hospitality, which was something that was not reciprocated in India.
Maybe it’s an phenomenon of our behaviour towards touring sides — I think it is rather endearing.

 

[iRfaN_LA]

Pakistanis are generally very hospitable and chilled out people. There is nothing wrong with our welcoming attitude towards the Aussies. I think its great to see.

Ask any indian player when they visited Pakistan in 2005. They were welcomed in streets of Lahore and everywhere else. at LUMS we even cheered Balaji.

 

[Firebat]

I think overall there's nothing wrong with being hospitable. Of course, some of it may be a little overboard due to the rare and historic nature of the occasion, but there is nothing inherently wrong with treating your guests with respect and adulation.

However, when it transitions into this over-eager demand for approval and validation from them, it gets a bit much. PCB uploaded an interview between Shan Masood and Labuschagne on Youtube, and I couldn't finish the video, I had to stop halfway through.

Questions from Shan to Marnus went something like: "The food in Pakistan is really good isn't it?! And you're loving your time here right?!! And you'll go back and tell Australia and the world how amazing and safe Pakistan is right?? Right!?"

This is where you can start to lose a bit of dignity, but overall I don't think it's a huge problem.

 

[Gilly]

Pakistan team is treated very good in Australia, don't know what the problem is.

 

[volcyz]

This is the best stuff

Good for Pakistan’s reputation

 

[Sycamore]

Why do the spectators in pakistan have to behave in the same manner that Australian supporters do ? Or fall down to the levels shown by Indian supporters?

Pakistanis supporting both teams was great to watch in the first game, and should continue for each and every tour, nothing worse than a crowd which only appreciates the home team.

 

[sweep_shot]

Cricket in general has changed. Players and fans are less hostile with each other nowadays (with occasional exceptions). Cricket has become more about objective performances than emotions.

I don't think they are going overboard.

 

[Savak]

Australia touring Pakistan has always been a big deal. A US President in the 1950's witnessed a test match bw Australia and Pakistan.

Apparently the US Ambassador to Pakistan might witness one of the test matches.

 

[Sarwar89]

Australia touring Pakistan has always been a big deal. A US President in the 1950's witnessed a test match bw Australia and Pakistan.

Apparently the US Ambassador to Pakistan might witness one of the test matches.

Yes President DD Eisenhower visited National Stadium Karachi during 3rd Test in Dec 1959.
It was a drawn Test. Ritchie Benaud was Aus captain.

 

[Savak]

Before this tour, everyone would have given their arm and a leg to have the aussies over. Now that they are here and we are showering them with our natural hospitality and welcome, people are still complaining.

The aussies are being given this treatment because they are the super stars of Cricket. Australian players after India are the most highly paid in the world and have the highest sponsorships and even have Hollywood links.

 

[MenInG]

Hospitality is fine as that is our nature but we should let go of the cringy business - there needs to be an element of home advantage in these series.

 

[Snowflake]

Hospitality is fine as that is our nature but we should let go of the cringy business - there needs to be an element of home advantage in these series.

Agreed. Fierce crowd support is a big part of home advantage. With over the top friendly gestures, you put the opposition at ease. Crowd should not disrespect the opposition but it should definitely pile the pressure on them. The opposition should feel that they are playing against more than 11 players!

This whole argument of our hospitality is cringy in itself. Indians are equally hospital and so are Sri Lankans. Pakistanis are nothing special.
Also, I've seen that this new generation of Pak youth has become so immune to this inferiority complex that they perceive almost everything other people do as an ehsaan. For God's sake have some self-respect! Aussies were the first to stop touring and coming back after decades when the country is safe to host cricket is no ehsaan. They are only fulfilling their FTP commitment.

 

[Snowflake]

Australia touring Pakistan has always been a big deal. A US President in the 1950's witnessed a test match bw Australia and Pakistan.

Apparently the US Ambassador to Pakistan might witness one of the test matches.

Aus touring Pak has always been a big deal? Don't you see how problematic that statement is?

You really need to grow up and stop selling yourself short.

 

[Snowflake]

I think overall there's nothing wrong with being hospitable. Of course, some of it may be a little overboard due to the rare and historic nature of the occasion, but there is nothing inherently wrong with treating your guests with respect and adulation.

However, when it transitions into this over-eager demand for approval and validation from them, it gets a bit much. PCB uploaded an interview between Shan Masood and Labuschagne on Youtube, and I couldn't finish the video, I had to stop halfway through.

Questions from Shan to Marnus went something like: "The food in Pakistan is really good isn't it?! And you're loving your time here right?!! And you'll go back and tell Australia and the world how amazing and safe Pakistan is right?? Right!?"

This is where you can start to lose a bit of dignity, but overall I don't think it's a huge problem.

Oh man * Feels like they are just happy Aus is here. Winning the games is secondary.

We really have gotten used to receiving the short end of the stick. You got it spot on when you mentioned over eagerness and the need to seek validation. This behavior by the players and crowd just goes on to show that because we haven't been treated with respect in such a long time, we're not used to it and the moment something even remotely respectful happens towards us, we start salivating with these OTT reactions.

Such a sad state of affairs.

 

[Savak]

Aus touring Pak has always been a big deal? Don't you see how problematic that statement is?

You really need to grow up and stop selling yourself short.

No one is selling anyone short. The facts speak for themselves, Australia is touring Pakistan after 24 years. You can tell who sold who short first.

 

[Snowflake]

No one is selling anyone short. The facts speak for themselves, Australia is touring Pakistan after 24 years. You can tell who sold who short first.

yeah so, they treated us like crap all these years, so we should be grateful when they finally don't. My God!

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Pakistan might have to wait 24 years again for Australia to tour them. This is once in a lifetime thing, so it isn't cringe. Who knows if the spectators will see Steve Smith and Pat Cummins in person ever again

 

[Varun]

There is a TV series on Indian cricket history, narrated by Nasserrudin Shah, called Mid Wicket Tales — I think it was on Amazon Prime.
I watched the episode on matches and series vs Pakistan.
There was an Indian player (can’t remember which one ? vengsarkar) talking about touring Pakistan — he made a point of commenting on the amazing hospitality, which was something that was not reciprocated in India.
Maybe it’s an phenomenon of our behaviour towards touring sides — I think it is rather endearing.

Pakistanis are generally very hospitable and chilled out people. There is nothing wrong with our welcoming attitude towards the Aussies. I think its great to see.

Ask any indian player when they visited Pakistan in 2005. They were welcomed in streets of Lahore and everywhere else. at LUMS we even cheered Balaji.

This.

Indian players raved about the wonderful time they had during the 2004 tour. I didn't remember reading such adulation when Pakistan toured us a year later.

It's just how it is.

 

[ElRaja]

i think its pretty cool, some of the banners in pindi were actually quite humourous. games come and go, but players remember that kinda funny stuff.

as long as it stays light hearted and cheeky, like constantly reminding marnus that pakistanis say his name better than aussies, and doesnt go down route of psychophancy and hero worship its all very entertaining to me.

was it not for the crowd, the pindi test would have pbly been one of the worst in history.

 

[PakPremi]

Fuss about nothing. Some fans are this cringy with Pakistani stars too with weird luvy duvy messages. Australia could have easily left the tour after Peshawar tour but they did not, and as guests Pakistan they deserve all the love they getting as Pakistanis do for all foreigners, especially when they are trying to attract tourism and sporting tours to Pakistan.

 

[cricketerB94]

Depends on what is your definition of home advantage. From what I understand, the home advantage includes a couple of advantages which can impact the game of players:

1- The pitch is prepared according to home team's strengths.
2- The home team players have the advantage of playing in these grounds season after season.

Third one can be that the home team players are more accustomed to the weather conditions.

But I don't know how some banners for the guest team players and good hospitality can impact the game of any player and remove any kind of home advantage. I mean, even if you watch the ashes, the home spectators in the ground are mostly asking for the autographs of the players from guest team.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

I would love to tour Pakistan and experience first hand the love and hospitality. My Grandfather lived in a few places in the old frontrier province now Khyber PK, i would cherish the chance to go where he had gone.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Even though it was a dead pitch, fans in pindi made it a good 5 days

Let the people enjoy this tour on the whole, this is happening after 24 years

More than a decade they never watched intl cricket in the stadiums, for some other country cricket would be a dead sport by now..

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

Not going overboard, I really thought cricket wasn't possible and no foreign teams will travel to Pakistan. Cummins been posting positive things about Pakistan, good to see. As a gift Pakistan should let Australia win one match

 

[Kianig89]

Because we have big hearts

 

[Markhor]

Australia touring Pakistan has always been a big deal. A US President in the 1950's witnessed a test match bw Australia and Pakistan.

Apparently the US Ambassador to Pakistan might witness one of the test matches.

Yes President DD Eisenhower visited National Stadium Karachi during 3rd Test in Dec 1959.
It was a drawn Test. Ritchie Benaud was Aus captain.

That's right. Infact President Eisenhower witnessed the slowest day in Test history as Pakistan crawled to 104-5. Wonder what he made of one of Hanif's characteristic blockathons

Apparently that was when Richie Benaud successfully pleaded with President Ayub to move from matting to turf wickets in Pakistan.

 

[Major]

That's right. Infact President Eisenhower witnessed the slowest day in Test history as Pakistan crawled to 104-5. Wonder what he made of one of Hanif's characteristic blockathons

Apparently that was when Richie Benaud successfully pleaded with President Ayub to move from matting to turf wickets in Pakistan.

Wait what? Cricket used to he played on matting in Pakistan? Really?

Wow thats new for me

 

[Markhor]

Wait what? Cricket used to he played on matting in Pakistan? Really?

Wow thats new for me

Wait what? Cricket used to he played on matting in Pakistan? Really?

Wow thats new for me

Yep up until Australia's 1959 tour of Pakistan, Test matches were mostly played on matting wickets on which Fazal Mahmood was a master. According to Peter Oborne in his well researched book, there were only three turf wickets in the whole of Pakistan after Partition.

It wasn't uncommon at the time, Pakistan's first Test victory against India was on jute matting in Lucknow. Trinidad in the Caribbean also rolled out matting wickets.

Touring teams regularly complained about them, especially when the groundsmen would often stretch the mat tight when Pakistan were batting so the bounce would be true. But conveniently the mat would be slackened and a few pebbles found its way underneath when the opposition batted...

Australia lost badly on the mat in 1956, and Benaud was determined to avoid a repeat in 1959. His preparations were something else. Oborne describes how Benaud ordered a mat to be laid on a strip of turf in the outfield at Brisbane where his players practiced daily before the tour. He asked for the Government of Australia to brief him about Pakistan to ensure a smooth tour.

During the series, he sent the 12th man to arrive at the ground early to ensure the mat wasn't tampered with. Of course Australia won the series which was their only victory in Pakistan until Mark Taylor's team in 1998.

This is why Benaud totally deserves to have the trophy with his name. He made a big impact in the history of Pakistan cricket in more ways than one.

 

[Major]

Yep up until Australia's 1959 tour of Pakistan, Test matches were mostly played on matting wickets on which Fazal Mahmood was a master. According to Peter Oborne in his well researched book, there were only three turf wickets in the whole of Pakistan after Partition.

It wasn't uncommon at the time, Pakistan's first Test victory against India was on jute matting in Lucknow. Trinidad in the Caribbean also rolled out matting wickets.

Touring teams regularly complained about them, especially when the groundsmen would often stretch the mat tight when Pakistan were batting so the bounce would be true. But conveniently the mat would be slackened and a few pebbles found its way underneath when the opposition batted...

Australia lost badly on the mat in 1956, and Benaud was determined to avoid a repeat in 1959. His preparations were something else. Oborne describes how Benaud ordered a mat to be laid on a strip of turf in the outfield at Brisbane where his players practiced daily before the tour. He asked for the Government of Australia to brief him about Pakistan to ensure a smooth tour.

During the series, he sent the 12th man to arrive at the ground early to ensure the mat wasn't tampered with. Of course Australia won the series which was their only victory in Pakistan until Mark Taylor's team in 1998.

This is why Benaud totally deserves to have the trophy with his name. He made a big impact in the history of Pakistan cricket in more ways than one.

Wow thanks for this knowledge..

I agree this little history makes Benaud an important figure in Australia vs Pakistan series and rightly has a trophy named after him.

Any knowledge when out first win on pitch came at? This topic deserves a thread itself i believe

 

[Sarwar89]

Wow thanks for this knowledge..

I agree this little history makes Benaud an important figure in Australia vs Pakistan series and rightly has a trophy named after him.

Any knowledge when out first win on pitch came at? This topic deserves a thread itself i believe

Before leaving, Benaud advised Pak authorities to completely rule out any future matches on matting wickets. His advise was definitely taken in right spirits.

 

[happydavy]

There was a vibe of gratitude among the fans each time I visited the stadium. I can tell you one thing, Pakistanis are very well aware the Australia has done them a favour. And the Pakistani people don’t take this lightly - I can tell you for a fact that if Australia has made friends and fans for life in Pakistani cricket fans. I’m pretty sure that people would be determined to support Australia even in non-cricket forums because sports really bring people together.

Like how? Next time Australia premier says that the genocide of Uyghurs — among other human rights issues — is part of the reason their diplomats did not attend the Winter Olympics in China, you will support Australia?

 

[Shazzam]

Agreed. Fierce crowd support is a big part of home advantage. With over the top friendly gestures, you put the opposition at ease. Crowd should not disrespect the opposition but it should definitely pile the pressure on them. The opposition should feel that they are playing against more than 11 players!

Relax cricket is just a game not a war. The players are ment to perform by taking this seriously. Us fans can sit there trying to enjoy good cricket. After all cricket is a lovely game to watch.

 

[wrongun]

It's not cringe, it's common enough anywhere.

In the National Rugby League here the NZ team in the comp took a decision to save the competition by relocating entirely to Oz for the whole season- no family visits allowed with hard borders in both countries during covid.

fans from other teams bought Warriors (NZ team) memberships they'd never get to use or Warriors merchandise or similar just to say thanks. Country towns sent public messages of thanks offering to host them for the duration etc.

Nothing wrong with hospitality & gratitude in such cases. Oz has no right to EXPECT it and would be thankful of the effort in hosting us too, but it is really nice to see anyway.

 

[Savak]

This is not just about Cricket but promoting relationships bw the two countries. The Australian High Commission is closely monitoring the tour. A significant contingent of the Australian and Western media is also touring Pakistan. Australian fans and Vlogers are also touring and exploring Pakistan.

This tour will be remembered very fondly just like the Indian tour of Pakistan in 2004. Who doesn't remember the experience of being treated like royalty in another country? These Australian players will remember this tour for the rest of their lives, what they are doing is beyond Cricket ie winning the heart and minds of the nation of Pakistan

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

It is what it is:

1. we have a culture of hospitality;
2. the memories of England and NZ pullouts are fresh; and
2. genuine surprise that they are even here.

 

[Titan24]

Thing is that with the arrival of Australia on Pakistani shores, cricket has possibly fully and officially returned to Pakistan (Aus, NZ and Eng was always a question) and its just different ways for people to express there pleasure. Srilanka, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, West indies, South Africa all helped in coming to this point but, considering the hegemony of Aus and Eng in the world of cricket they were always going to be the ones difficult to convince and officially opening the Pak shores for all kinds of cricket tours.

Home advantage should be maximized through the pitches and familiar conditions. Crowd while had different banners (From cheesy to classic) for Aussies went all out with their support for Pakistan as well in Pindi and same is expected in Karachi.

I personally don't think such banners and comments takes away any of the home advantage.

Yes, whether Aussies will be welcoming Pak in a similar fashion is another matter as its Pakistan which was deprived of cricket in the last decade or so, excitement amongst cricket lovers in Pakistan is all but, natural. 2-3 years forward when hopefully any team touring becomes a norm I am pretty sure the some cheesy stuff is gonna subside.

 

[MenInG]

Pat Cummins on Pakistan hospitality:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pat Cummins "It has been a great tour, we have thoroughly enjoyed it as a playing group. We were really well looked after in Islamabad and it's the same in Karachi. We've had a really nice hotel, good food and we've been well looked after" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvAUS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1502203499727269891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pat Cummins "Every time we leave the hotel to go to the ground, I think it hits home how lucky we are to be so well looked after. All the locals, they literally stop what they are doing to get us to the stadium which doesn't go unnoticed" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvAUS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1502205990070071297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Colorblind Genius]

I understand we are very grateful to Australia for visiting us but I feel that some of the cheesy banners at the ground and this kind of stuff taking the edge out of the series and removing the home advantage...

Your view?

Pakistani crowd usually has the most boring and bland banners/plycards.
I have never seen anything genuinely funny or witty.

And the above is yet another display of lack of creativity covered up by third class attempts at humor.

 

[Savak]

Marnus has loved the Daal and Roti in Karachi.

I remember when the PSL was hosted in Khi in 2019. The players were staying at Movenpick Hotel and every day in a hall, the foreign players enjoyed home cooked biryani by the players or take out was ordered from the premier famous Pakistani street places like Burns Road, Tariq Road e.t.c.

The Pakistani journalists are taking their Australia counterparts to Boat Basin, Highway, Sea View e.t.c. I am enjoying how we are selling our soft image on the basis of food.

 

[MenInG]

 

[PakLFC]

Generally we do often over do it with mehmaan nawazi!. In this case as no one has toured Pak for so long it is understandable. What bothers me is we do it for most touring sides knowing they will never reciprocate.

 

[transparent opacity]

 

[Energy]

The tapal tea lounge banners are the worst. Nothing witty about them.

In the crowd, there's been a couple of hilarious ones today though.

 

[Gilly]

Generally we do often over do it with mehmaan nawazi!. In this case as no one has toured Pak for so long it is understandable. What bothers me is we do it for most touring sides knowing they will never reciprocate.

What does Pakistan do that other countries don't.

Other countries are just a welcoming as Pakistan.

 

[PakLFC]

What does Pakistan do that other countries don't.

Other countries are just a welcoming as Pakistan.

Giving red carpets to anyone and everyone who visits. Giving white foreigners our seats to beg them to say a few good words about Pakistan. What others do is up to them but we certainly go way over the top to impress white foreigners.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wonderful to see from the sporting Karachi crowd - a standing ovation for Usman Khawaja after he was dismissed by Sajid Khan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvAUS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1502930931950264320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 50%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/c9w9ln" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

 

[pillionrider]

Marnus has loved the Daal and Roti in Karachi.

I remember when the PSL was hosted in Khi in 2019. The players were staying at Movenpick Hotel and every day in a hall, the foreign players enjoyed home cooked biryani by the players or take out was ordered from the premier famous Pakistani street places like Burns Road, Tariq Road e.t.c.

The Pakistani journalists are taking their Australia counterparts to Boat Basin, Highway, Sea View e.t.c. I am enjoying how we are selling our soft image on the basis of food.

Seems like they need to change the catering back to those PSL restaurants

 

[Saj]

Aussies must be laughing all the way.

Treat us like kings on and off the field. Give us a buffet with the ball and serve some gifts to us when we are bowling.

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

Not going overboard, I really thought cricket wasn't possible and no foreign teams will travel to Pakistan. Cummins been posting positive things about Pakistan, good to see. As a gift Pakistan should let Australia win one match

I guess it was written in the stars

 

[MenInG]

Hilarious

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 55.556%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/2whwjg" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

 

[Hasan]

Nothing wrong with being hospitable esp when you have turned their premium fast bowlers into burnt out work mules on these lifeless pitches.

Pakistan is a nation wish is unfairly represented by its own and foreign media. It’s is only natural that the average citizen would want the world to see what Pakistan is really like, a beautiful nation with beautiful people.