Party and recreational options for foreign players in Pakistan?

[Savak]

One of the common arguments made against bring foreign players to Pakistan is that the players will feel suffocated, bored and depressed living and playing in Conversative, Islamic Pakistan and their activities will be further restricted due to the top notch security arrangements which will be made if they do come to Pakistan.

I don't personally buy this at all or atleast not completely. These foreign players will have an even wider range of eating and cuisine options in Pakistan. They will have access to the bars, drinks that they are accustomed to in the UAE and in India, and the West in general.

Sure we may not have many open nightclubs but Pakistan has a thriving underground party scene and many of the Film stars, Film Actors & Actresses, Television Actors & Actresses, Male & Female models, Musicians and Elite sportsmen and other VIP personalities attend these parties and events held under VIP security.

If the Foreign players want to visit recreational and other tourism sites they can do so under full blown security. If they wish to visit the top posh resteraunts, super market malls they can easily go with security.

If they wish to play golf, they can go with security.

I don't believe for a second that the foreign players even in the IPL just randomly go out on the streets without any security or protection detail whatsoever.

The foreign players who played in the PSL final didn't have any complaints about not having fun, or the lack of hospitality.

If Pakistan was such a dull place, Islamabad wouldn't be full of foreigners who wouldnt be enjoying themselves there.

Bottomline out of all the excuses and arguments against Foreign players coming to play in Pakistan, this is the least convincing one.

 

[aloo paratha]

I've heard from commies like Dean Jones that they had a blast and they were welcomed warmly when they went to Pakistan in the past. All the people who think players hate it are just guessing.

 

[Bilal7]

What a pathetic thread. I'm not sure what the rules about alcohol are in Pakistan but if it socially unacceptable or illegal, the last thing overseas players should be doing is guzzling down alcohol while they are participating in a tournament. Same thing goes for nightclubs. They're not doing Pakistan a favor by playing in the PSL, they get paid for doing so and "Pakistanis" like the OP need to start being a little more respectful of their country's norms are values.

 

[Hamad_H]

I don't personally buy this at all or atleast not completely. These foreign players will have an even wider range of eating and cuisine options in Pakistan. They will have access to the bars, drinks that they are accustomed to in the UAE and in India, and the West in general.

Sure we may not have many open nightclubs but Pakistan has a thriving underground party scene and many of the Film stars, Film Actors & Actresses, Television Actors & Actresses, Male & Female models, Musicians and Elite sportsmen and other VIP personalities attend these parties and events held under VIP security.

I hope by "bars", "underground party scene" and "drinks" you mean shisha bars and mango lassi rather than alcohol because they're still in Pakistan and can't be boozing every night in a tournament where they're getting paid, especially in an Islamic country like Pakistan. The players don't need alcohol to survive because the main reason why they are in the tournament is to play cricket rather than party so those players who don't want to play in the PSL because of the nightlife don't have to as I'm sure people would rather have players putting their 100% in matches than players who are there for fun and a paycheck.

 

[Mamoon]

It's not about lack of entertainment and things to do. Foreign players toured Pakistan till 2009 and no one died out of boredom. They would go to golf clubs, bazaars and obviously alcohol is available in hotels for foreigners. The main issue, and it goes without saying, is the terrorism. We are without a doubt one of the most dangerous countries in the world and no amount of security and entertainment can convince players to come to a country where a suicide bomber can blow up in any street.

 

[czar]

In KP's Words:

Kevin Pietersen: I once bought silk sheets only to discover when I got home that they were the wrong size. I couldn’t be bothered to go back and change them, so they just went in the bin. I also bought a play station portable [PSP] in Pakistan when I was on tour in 2004 and I played it for about six weeks, but then stopped. It was the 'in' thing and Pakistan is a very boring place on a long cricket tour – you end up spending a lot of time in your room reading. So I bought one, but as soon as we finished the tour I found I had better things to do and never played it again.

 

[Sidilicious]

What a pathetic thread. I'm not sure what the rules about alcohol are in Pakistan but if it socially unacceptable or illegal, the last thing overseas players should be doing is guzzling down alcohol while they are participating in a tournament. Same thing goes for nightclubs. They're not doing Pakistan a favor by playing in the PSL, they get paid for doing so and "Pakistanis" like the OP need to start being a little more respectful of their country's norms are values.

Even though I don't think you need alcohol to have fun, but IIRC the law of Pakistan does not stop non muslims from drinking. So how is this a pathetic thread?

 

[MenInG]

As long as there is security, foreign players will find things to entertain themselves. Pakistan is not big in pubs but the food is of good quality as are the sites etc

 

[Sidilicious]

It's not about lack of entertainment and things to do. Foreign players toured Pakistan till 2009 and no one died out of boredom. They would go to golf clubs, bazaars and obviously alcohol is available in hotels for foreigners. The main issue, and it goes without saying, is the terrorism. We are without a doubt one of the most dangerous countries in the world and no amount of security and entertainment can convince players to come to a country where a suicide bomber can blow up in any street.

Good point.

Its not the bars etc that players need but other recreational activities.

Especially activities like Golf which are quite popular amongst western players is really important. Before 2006, I am sure most of these guys would have been free to go out and play 18 holes as and when they liked. Now, I doubt they can do it without going with 20 security personnel.

 

[Mamoon]

Good point.

Its not the bars etc that players need but other recreational activities.

Especially activities like Golf which are quite popular amongst western players is really important. Before 2006, I am sure most of these guys would have been free to go out and play 18 holes as and when they liked. Now, I doubt they can do it without going with 20 security personnel.

Golf was the go-to recreation for foreign players in Pakistan, especially in my city. The hotel where they stayed is adjacent to the golf club, and that is where you would find the players unless they were in the hotel gym or the stadium for training.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Bahria town in Karachi will have all of this and thats where Rafi stadium is.

 

[Mamoon]

In KP's Words:

Clubbing is a major part of western entertainment/recreation, and the clubbing/partying scene in Pakistan is underground, and not accessible to the foreign players. There is only so much golf you can play and spend time in the hotel. If PSL returns to Pakistan on a full-scale, the foreign players will definitely not have the experience that they do in India. Even in India, the Gujarat Lions players might feel bored when they are in Rajkot since Gujarat is a dry state. They would probably enjoy themselves more in Mumbai or Delhi.

 

[pakistani pride]

Clubbing is a major part of western entertainment/recreation, and the clubbing/partying scene in Pakistan is underground, and not accessible to the foreign players. There is only so much golf you can play and spend time in the hotel. If PSL returns to Pakistan on a full-scale, the foreign players will definitely not have the experience that they do in India. Even in India, the Gujarat Lions players might feel bored when they are in Rajkot since Gujarat is a dry state. They would probably enjoy themselves more in Mumbai or Delhi.

Its not only about clubbing and going to night clubs. I am sure players can do without for 3 to 4 weeks.

And in 2017 a bomb can go off at any place in the world. Pakistan is just a victim of this.

 

[Mamoon]

Its not only about clubbing and going to night clubs. I am sure players can do without for 3 to 4 weeks.

And in 2017 a bomb can go off at any place in the world. Pakistan is just a victim of this.

Yes, and this is what I said in my original post. Although the foreign players have less to do in Pakistan compared to India, it is not a desert. The main concern of course is the terrorism. No one has opted out of a tour of Pakistan because of the lack of activities.

 

[czar]

Clubbing is a major part of western entertainment/recreation, and the clubbing/partying scene in Pakistan is underground, and not accessible to the foreign players. There is only so much golf you can play and spend time in the hotel. If PSL returns to Pakistan on a full-scale, the foreign players will definitely not have the experience that they do in India. Even in India, the Gujarat Lions players might feel bored when they are in Rajkot since Gujarat is a dry state. They would probably enjoy themselves more in Mumbai or Delhi.

Agree, and I think players would still visit Pakistan for the PSL if the money offer is too enticing however for an International tour of Pakistan which pays nothing extravagant I don't think Western teams would be at all willing to visit.

I am sure for now the foreign players are happy to tour UAE than Pakistan.

Which Western Player in his right mind would want to visit a country like Pakistan and being around Guards holding weapons all the time? That would be like a Jail.

 

[Gilly]

When Australia did tour Pakistan I dont recall any player complaining but I do recall many players saying they enjoyed their time in Pakistan. Contrary to popular belief most players would rank meeting locals, experiencing local culture and sightseeing far above drinking, clubbing and parties.

 

[Slog]

Clubbing is a major part of western entertainment/recreation, and the clubbing/partying scene in Pakistan is underground, and not accessible to the foreign players. There is only so much golf you can play and spend time in the hotel. If PSL returns to Pakistan on a full-scale, the foreign players will definitely not have the experience that they do in India. Even in India, the Gujarat Lions players might feel bored when they are in Rajkot since Gujarat is a dry state. They would probably enjoy themselves more in Mumbai or Delhi.

Dont think thats the issue either

Its just being able to walk out and go to a mall or do other random, everyday things without a lot of security

When you have 25 commandos around you when going into a random coffee shop, you will feel uncomfortable and paranoid.

In India the foreign players can do that whereas in Pakistan for them to go from point A to B you would need a whole security protocal

 

[Mamoon]

Dont think thats the issue either

Its just being able to walk out and go to a mall or do other random, everyday things without a lot of security

When you have 25 commandos around you when going into a random coffee shop, you will feel uncomfortable and paranoid.

In India the foreign players can do that whereas in Pakistan for them to go from point A to B you would need a whole security protocal

Yes security is the main problem, but just saying that foreign players are more likely to enjoy themselves in India than Pakistan.

 

[Syed1]

I remember quite fondly that one day during my childhood I walked into the Nando's on Boat Basin and the entire Saffers team was having dinner there. Unfortunately I was too shy to walk up to them and have a chat.

Also alcohol is freely available in Pakistan for those who desire it, but I don't think professional cricketers would be indulging in boozing on a daily basis. Also when you visit a place you try to explore their food, architecture, culture etc not try to find the things you readily get back home.

 

[pakistani pride]

Yes security is the main problem, but just saying that foreign players are more likely to enjoy themselves in India than Pakistan.

How are you so sure about that?
What is so special in India. Its the money. Simple as that.

Threat in 2017 is every where istanbul and paris being prime examples with multiple attacks.

But fener , gala and psg pay lots and lots of money.

 

[Sidilicious]

How are you so sure about that?
What is so special in India. Its the money. Simple as that.

Threat in 2017 is every where istanbul and paris being prime examples with multiple attacks.

But fener , gala and psg pay lots and lots of money.

Again thats a rubbish theory.

How many deaths per year due to terrorist activities happen in Paris or Mumbai as opposed to Karachi or Lahore?

How many sports players have been directly targeted in India as opposed to Pakistan?

 

[Mamoon]

How are you so sure about that?
What is so special in India. Its the money. Simple as that.

Threat in 2017 is every where istanbul and paris being prime examples with multiple attacks.

But fener , gala and psg pay lots and lots of money.

India have clubs etc. which a lot of westerners prefer. In Pakistan, they don't have open, feasible access to that type of entertainment. Yes the world isn't a safe place at the moment, but please compare the number of terrorist attacks in Pakistan over the last few years compared to the ones in India and Europe. If you add all of them together, they will still be dwarfed by the terrorism in Pakistan.

Secondly, and most importantly, Pakistan is the only country where a sports team has been 'directly' attacked. It is a simple point that is for some odd reason, beyond the comprehension of some people.

 

[Cricketfan no 1]

Gone are the days when Indian team visited Landi Kotal khyber agency, i was there and they were escorted by hardly 4 to 4 police vehicles and met the commentators in peshawar golf club

 

[Ramez]

Shane warne once complained about indian food and ordered his meals all the way from austrailia for the tour. Pollution was major cause for dis. Im sure its only due to money that india is more favoured and once security gets better in pak players will prefer pak over india in international matches where they are paid irrespective of the counry

 

[pakistani pride]

India have clubs etc. which a lot of westerners prefer. In Pakistan, they don't have open, feasible access to that type of entertainment. Yes the world isn't a safe place at the moment, but please compare the number of terrorist attacks in Pakistan over the last few years compared to the ones in India and Europe. If you add all of them together, they will still be dwarfed by the terrorism in Pakistan.

Secondly, and most importantly, Pakistan is the only country where a sports team has been 'directly' attacked. It is a simple point that is for some odd reason, beyond the comprehension of some people.

A bus with players from Dortmund got attacked as well. Last night a blast in manchester so i guess CT should be called off.

Attacks in Europe have become frequent now and its no shock anymore compared with some years ago.

 

[pakistani pride]

Again thats a rubbish theory.

How many deaths per year due to terrorist activities happen in Paris or Mumbai as opposed to Karachi or Lahore?

How many sports players have been directly targeted in India as opposed to Pakistan?

Whats so rubbish about it? Istanbul has been like a mini war zone but players still stay because they get paid huge amount of money. Players from Dortmund got attacked just a few weeks ago.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Its sad to see our society talibanize over the last few decades. The 90s was the last point when Pakistani society was normal enough to accept how people wanted to live their lives without judging. Post 9/11 and we have descended into a fusion of Afghan/Iranian type mindset. Its so sad to see.

Look at these fine gentleman. Our forefathers who we should be emulating. Well groomed, well dressed, well spoken. I wish we could go back.

 

[TahirFan]

South Africa has one of the worlds highest crime rate. A few years ago several Pakistani players were mugged in Johannesburg. Muggers target tourists and yet nobody complains of visiting South Africa

 

[Rotoman]

It's because people are not as scared of getting mugged as they are of dying. I've heard parts of SA are dangerous places to walk alone at night but you can avoid doing that I guess. Even then you could say 'meh, what's going to happen I'll only lose some money.' Where as in terrorist attacks, there is no coming back, there is the fear of death and that's the greatest fear of all.

 

[Zahid87]

South Africa has one of the worlds highest crime rate. A few years ago several Pakistani players were mugged in Johannesburg. Muggers target tourists and yet nobody complains of visiting South Africa

Actually....there is more to that story

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/cricket-stars-caught-out-over-mugging-claims-1145467.html

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Actually....there is more to that story

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/cricket-stars-caught-out-over-mugging-claims-1145467.html

This was back in 1998 wasn't it ???

Astagfirullah

 

[pakistani pride]

It's because people are not as scared of getting mugged as they are of dying. I've heard parts of SA are dangerous places to walk alone at night but you can avoid doing that I guess. Even then you could say 'meh, what's going to happen I'll only lose some money.' Where as in terrorist attacks, there is no coming back, there is the fear of death and that's the greatest fear of all.

Like in Istanbul, Paris, Manchester and Lahore.

 

[Mp812]

South Africa has one of the worlds highest crime rate. A few years ago several Pakistani players were mugged in Johannesburg. Muggers target tourists and yet nobody complains of visiting South Africa

There is difference between lonewolf muggers intersted in few $$ vs organised co-ordinated brainwashed fanatics trying to arrange that current crop of cricket players get to meet legends of cricket in like Marshall, Bradman up there in heaven.
You do relaise that? Dont you.

 

[Savak]

I believe this is where the showbiz and entertainment industry sector must play a role and organize parties, dinners and get togethers with the foreign players.

The West Indies players like Samuels, Sammy are very active on the party scene. Even though they were only in Lahore for 1-2 days, but they still maintain they had a heck of a time. Samuels even tweeted in favor of the Pakistani army.

Those who say massive security is intimidating, i beg to differ, if i was surrounded by 1000-2000 guards, and trust me, i have at one point, it feels like royalty and foreign players should feel privilleged when they have an army escorting them wherever they go.