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[REPORTS] West Indies tour of Pakistan postponed due to smog in Lahore

Abdullah719

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The West Indies cricket team’s tour to Pakistan has been postponed due to thick levels of smog, engulfing Lahore for the last week, it was reported on Monday.

A Pakistan Cricket Board official told a private media outlet that due to the commitment of West Indies’ players to participate in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and smog, the tour has been postponed.

“The PCB and the West Indies Cricket Board had agreed that West Indies will tour Pakistan in November, but now it is unlikely to happen because of the smog and some other reasons,” the official said, adding that both the boards are deliberating upon other possible dates to hold the series.

The tour will now take place after March 2018.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/11/06/smog-postpones-west-indies-tour-to-lahore/
 
Good Lord, we get over the security problems and now we have smog problems.
 
The 'some other reasons' specified in OP might be amongst those listed in this (earlier) article:

West Indies tour in jeopardy as boards reportedly deadlocked over dates

LAHORE: The West Indies’ tour of Pakistan slated for this month may be in jeopardy as the cricket boards of the two countries are currently in a deadlock over finalising the dates of the prospective tour.

According to sources, the PCB has been gunning to hold the tour in the current month of December. The speculated dates being floated around for the past few days had been in the last week of this month. Earlier, it was being reported that the first of the three T20 internationals would be played on November 23 followed by two games on November 25 and 26 respectively.

If the West Indies come to play the three-game series against Pakistan, it will be the fifth successful arrangement of international cricket in the country, and will take the Gadaffi stadium’s tally of matches this year to 8.

However, according to media sources, the West Indies cricket board is currently insisting that the tour take place in December, perhaps to accommodate the fact that they are also due to play a series against New Zealand in New Zealand in November.

And while this would have given the PCB and indeed the country more time to prepare after the hectic schedule of the PSL final, World XI tour and T20 against Sri Lanka, the board is concerned that the Lahore weather may be problematic.

Lahore is currently facing a smog epidemic worse than any in recent history, which has made visibility a major issue, especially at night. And while the stadium’s floodlights are fully functional, it is a risk the PCB would not want to take given how the lights have given out twice in the recent past, once in a match against the World XI and a few years before that in a game against the then visiting Zimbabwe.

For this reason, it had also been suggested that the tour be conducted in Karachi’s National Stadium. The Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has been loudly critical of the board for only arranging matches in Lahore and has been insisting that Karachi is prepared to bear the same as Lahore. And to his credit, the National Stadium has recently managed to get the green signal from independent security consultancy firm Eastern Star international, which works with bodies including the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Federation of International Cricketers Association.

A December series in Lahore poses a threat even if one were to neutralise the threat of smog, ais it is the month when the City often receives heavy winter showers which are often long and harsh enough to be debilitating, not just for the duration of a single game, but can also leave the pitch waterlogged and unfit for play.

This phenomenon has been observed especially in recent times because of the inability to meet the requirements of a single season by the ICC, which forces boards to host series in less than ideal weather conditions, often to no conclusion.

The schedules might also be a problem in another sense, given that the West Indies are playing against New Zealand in November. And given the less than solid stability of the Pakistan tour and the importance of New Zealand as a cricketing nation, Pakistan will probably receive a team of second rate players. Even in the Sri Lanka T20, there were a few players called up from the team’s reserves to play in place of those that refused to come.

If the West Indies does agree to play in November as the PCB wants, the team that comes will be unrecognisable. And this will be felt all the more given how large the fanbase is for West Indies stars because of the PSL and the World XI tour.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/20...y-as-boards-reportedly-deadlocked-over-dates/
 
You see, this is what happens if you dare to drop Ahmed ........
 
and we are officially out of Cricket in the busiest months in the cricket schedule :))
 
Smog is getting so Bad, in and around Lahore specially during November-December time. Soon it will become an additional issue for not touring. Need a Billion tree tsunami near Lahore as well
 
So Shinwari should be fit by the time we play next ��
 
Since Karachi has been cleared by the ICC's security company, it would be great if they do play the match there.

Winter in Lahore presents worst environment for cricket.
 
I just returned from Lahore and was thinking how would any game be possible with that smog.
 
Most likely there was no commitment from WI board for touring Pakistan. Its our Sethi who made this up for excuse to save face.
 
Seems suspicious to me - maybe there is something else that is going on that we don't know about.
 
At least we have the National T20 Cup...

Though we don't know anything about the dates, venue etc... :srt

Don’t worry, the dates will be announced when you don’t expect it all: «Salplaaaiz»
 
Folks who are thousands of miles away from Lahore, and have no idea about how bad the smog is are calling it a face-saving exercise.
 
Folks who are thousands of miles away from Lahore, and have no idea about how bad the smog is are calling it a face-saving exercise.

Sri Lanka played in the same smog and this has been an issue for many years now - People quite right to question this problem.
 
Sri Lanka played in the same smog and this has been an issue for many years now - People quite right to question this problem.

Yes smog is almost always there in this part of the year. However, we have not hosted any international cricket in Pakistan in November since the tour of South Africa in 2007.

Zimbabwe toured in the summers, PSL final was in February, World XI tour was in September and the smog was only getting started when SL played. However, it has become quite worse in the last few days. If these people visit Lahore right now, they will sing a different song.

The problem is that people have an axe to grind against Sethi, and are always looking for an opportunity to sling some mud. Much to their grief, he knows how to walk the talk and if he said WI will tour Pakistan, it means they will.

However, smog and other such factors are not within his control.
 
Yes smog is almost always there in this part of the year. However, we have not hosted any international cricket in Pakistan in November since the tour of South Africa in 2007.

Zimbabwe toured in the summers, PSL final was in February, World XI tour was in September and the smog was only getting started when SL played. However, it has become quite worse in the last few days. If these people visit Lahore right now, they will sing a different song.

The problem is that people have an axe to grind against Sethi, and are always looking for an opportunity to sling some mud. Much to their grief, he knows how to walk the talk and if he said WI will tour Pakistan, it means they will.

However, smog and other such factors are not within his control.

Right so why then did Sethi, the man who walks the talk, organise this tour in November knowing full well that smog would get in the way? Is he not familiar with Lahore and the weather patterns?
 
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It is really bad, especially during the evening where visibilty is low. You can actually see from the TV pictures from the last T20 that it was present.

Apparently India is to blame due to burning large amounts of crops across the border. 😀
 
Move PCB headquarters to Islamabad from Lahore so that we can have some fairness.
 
Isn’t this a good excuse to host it in Karachi then. Why are they so insistent on hosting it in Lahore.

I’d say carry on the tour as decided in Karachi provided they provide security over there aswell.
 
How bad is this fog situation really ? Is it just a minor irritation or something where it's really a challenge to play or almost life threatening ? Just curious to know ?

Can someone post some pictures of fog in Lahore in current time....
 
Its ok, we should take baby steps to host international cricket. The security situation is gradually increasing Alhumdulilah and the last thing we want is to add too much pressure on Army/ISI to host an international team for a full series.
 
Right so why then did Sethi, the man who walks the talk, organise this tour in November knowing full well that smog would get in the way? Is he not familiar with Lahore and the weather patterns?

The smog this year is worse than usual. Sethi is not perfect, but he has been comfortably better than his predecessors, and I don't need to explain how he has managed to walk the talk so far. Unfortunately his biggest crime is his political allegiance. If someone else would have done the same job, the outlook on his performance would have been different.
 
The smog this year is worse than usual. Sethi is not perfect, but he has been comfortably better than his predecessors, and I don't need to explain how he has managed to walk the talk so far. Unfortunately his biggest crime is his political allegiance. If someone else would have done the same job, the outlook on his performance would have been different.

Step back. Breathe. And Relax.

He is not attacking Sethi's political allegiances here.

Also keep political stuff in Time Pass.

:yk
 
Right so why then did Sethi, the man who walks the talk, organise this tour in November knowing full well that smog would get in the way? Is he not familiar with Lahore and the weather patterns?

Smog is considered a 'season' now, according to local Met stations anything that has a pattern of more than 30-40 days can be considered a 'season'.. Smog was not a season until 2 years ago.
 
Delhi declared holiday for schools due to particle pollution.

Totally unlivable conditions there it seems. Wonder how people are even surviving there.
 
I hate to be that guy but the world cup qualifiers are in march so there is zero chance of this series happening then.
 
Smog is considered a 'season' now, according to local Met stations anything that has a pattern of more than 30-40 days can be considered a 'season'.. Smog was not a season until 2 years ago.

I'm just trying to figure out whether Smog was the only reason why the series was cancelled or whether it is just a smoke screen, pardon the pun.

The article intimated that it was one of the reasons and then if you throw in the fact that Smog has been around in Lahore for several years at around this time then it seems quiet convenient to announce a series in November...

I like to think that a tour was finalised and that the reason for cancelling is the smog and nothing else..
 
Its worse in Delhi. How the heck do people even live here?

No easy during this time , but somehow managing. From 7 pm to 9am it feels like something is burning nearby.
 
I remember Smog causing a few test matches in late 1990s to be ruined in a series against Zimbabwe if i remember rightly.
 
i was right in 1998 the entire 5 days of test vs zimbos were wiped out due to fog/smog and the lahore test was ruined by fog also which ended in draw.

Zimbo won that test series 1-0 :facepalm:
 
Fog/smog an be massive issue. I had a long diverted flight because of this smog.

Plus alot of driving issues.
 
i was right in 1998 the entire 5 days of test vs zimbos were wiped out due to fog/smog and the lahore test was ruined by fog also which ended in draw.

Zimbo won that test series 1-0 :facepalm:

More or less every Test between Nov to Jan - it’s a miracle how sometimes they could get result in some Tests.

Weather even climate can be unpredictable, but surprising for me that PCB arranged Tests in northern part of country in that period and still scheduled it for 10AM-5PM timing and 90 overs a day - at least someone should know that Mugrib prayers starts around 5pm ......

I think, from 1988 I can recall - about 66-75% Tests in PAK ended in draws, and not only draws, absolute rubbish draws - 3rd innings starts on day 5 sort of draws, ONLY because PCB expected by some miracle to play 450 overs when sun sets at around 4:45-5:15PM - so, it ended with 350 overs. Most (all, apart from odd one) of these Tests would have been exciting finish if 450 overs were possible. Only solution was to play 6 Day Test for 75 overs/day, but that would have been too much to expect from ...


This is the only reason that having some of the best strike rates around, Imran, Qadir, Wasim, Waquar, Shoaib & Saq has very poor Wicket/Test - Wasim is less than 4/Test, Imran around 4.1 and WY probably 4.3 - but their SR was like 52, 55 and 42 or so; Shoaib is probably even better. That short duration denied at least 60-70 wickets each and cost 1+ in average, because when you shorten the Test, bowlers basically miss the cheap wickets at the bottom end. And, they missed the chance to bowl in 2nd innings entirely on roughed-up wickets for half of their home Test career.

Experience of Test in PAK has made sure that whoever comes with an idea of 4 Day Test, will get a severe mouthful from me. These are not FC matches that teams play for points and to ensure direct result 2/3 declarations will be made. In fact, in PAK, I have seen whenever a team is under slight pressure - their batsmen start to change gears (even box) twice in a session or bowlers change boots after every over ..... and Umpires offer light at 4pm, without the provision of an early start next day for a 60-65 overs day. They did start ODI at 9AM, but obviously PCB’s tradition demanded that Test matches in PAK can only start at 10:00 am (though in India they often start Tests at 9:30, even 9:00 in northern venues).

It’s really disgusting bitter taste in mouth, but I have to say, between PAK & UAE - I have to take UAE as Test venue as long as PCB is in charge for arranging Test matches. UAE at least gives a fair chance of direct result through 450 overs of playing time.
[MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]
 
The amount of pollution is ridiculous and the lack of infrastructure to combat such situations is even worse.

The main priority should be investing on people's health and tackling the pollution/clean air but the governments have been too busy in money making.

Smogs have ruined a fair few series as already mentioned in this thread.
 
Karachi: West Indies have postponed their visit to Pakistan for a three-match Twenty20 series, with the leading Caribbean players expressing concerns about their security in the country, sources have claimed.

The PCB sources said the tour will now be planned next year when a window is available to both the teams even as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made no official comment on the fate of the tour.

"Some of the players were reluctant to tour when the West Indies board spoke to them. Seniors like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo made it clear they would not be available for the series if it went ahead," one source said.

"Even the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) had concerns despite being sent the report of the security company hired by the ICC to inspect security situation and arrangements in Pakistan," the source added.

After inspection visits and positive reports of the security experts, World XI had come to play three T20 matches in Lahore in September and Sri Lankan board also sent its team, albeit a depleted one, to Lahore for a lone T20I on October 29.

"But apparently even the World XI and Sri Lankan team tours were not enough to lay to rest the concerns of some West Indies players," the source said.

Another source said West Indies had to go to New Zealand from November 25th, plus the smog and foggy conditions in Lahore led to postponement of the tour.

"But it will take place eventually as the West Indies cricket board has not backed out and is committed to making the tour," the source said

http://zeenews.india.com/cricket/we...players-concerned-about-security-2055562.html
 
West Indies have postponed their visit to Pakistan for a three-match Twenty20 series, with the leading Caribbean players expressing concerns about their security in the country, sources have claimed.

This is after all the main reason.
All this smog talks are just an eye-wash. They could play T20 in day time if they wanted.
I remember WI withdrew their team in the middle of the series after hearing some fire-cracker. Sethi should talk as less as possible to embarrass us and himself.
 
So now we have the truth.
The tour was never a done deal.
Poor from Sethi
 
Karachi: West Indies have postponed their visit to Pakistan for a three-match Twenty20 series, with the leading Caribbean players expressing concerns about their security in the country, sources have claimed.

The PCB sources said the tour will now be planned next year when a window is available to both the teams even as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made no official comment on the fate of the tour.

"Some of the players were reluctant to tour when the West Indies board spoke to them. Seniors like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo made it clear they would not be available for the series if it went ahead," one source said.

"Even the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) had concerns despite being sent the report of the security company hired by the ICC to inspect security situation and arrangements in Pakistan," the source added.

After inspection visits and positive reports of the security experts, World XI had come to play three T20 matches in Lahore in September and Sri Lankan board also sent its team, albeit a depleted one, to Lahore for a lone T20I on October 29.

"But apparently even the World XI and Sri Lankan team tours were not enough to lay to rest the concerns of some West Indies players," the source said.

Another source said West Indies had to go to New Zealand from November 25th, plus the smog and foggy conditions in Lahore led to postponement of the tour.

"But it will take place eventually as the West Indies cricket board has not backed out and is committed to making the tour," the source said

http://zeenews.india.com/cricket/we...players-concerned-about-security-2055562.html


As you had said, the truth is out.
 
Invite Zimbabwe instead to Karachi for three ODIs.

They need to play as many ODIs as they can before the WC Qualifiers, thwy have a gap in their schedule and already toured in 2015.

We have way too many long gaps in our calendar.
 
Can't really blame the PCB, they have done all the right things by safely hosting Zimbabwe, PSL final, World 11 tour, Sri Lankan T-20. If the Western players don't want to tour Pakistan because they won't get to enjoy the lifestyle that they want in Pakistan, then that is up to them
 
Poorly managed - this’ll take the progress backwards in this regard. PCB should have confirmed the series and then open mouth - now only truth remain for long term is that WI players declined to tour on security grounds (which I don’t think is the only reason).
 
Poorly managed - this’ll take the progress backwards in this regard. PCB should have confirmed the series and then open mouth - now only truth remain for long term is that WI players declined to tour on security grounds (which I don’t think is the only reason).

Maybe the WICB confirmed the series with the PCB but the WI players in the background have now bailed out. The PCB can only talk to the WICB, not the WI players. This is actually more unprofessional of the WICB to confirm the tour without getting full confirmation from the players. Not the PCB's fault here who have done all the right things to encourage foreign teams to tour Pakistan up to now.
 
Bhai ab aur kia karain??PCB has done it’s best with the PSL final,the World XI series and the SL T20 in Lahore.The security was top notch and even if the players don’t want to tour now,nothing more can be done.
 
Maybe the WICB confirmed the series with the PCB but the WI players in the background have now bailed out. The PCB can only talk to the WICB, not the WI players. This is actually more unprofessional of the WICB to confirm the tour without getting full confirmation from the players. Not the PCB's fault here who have done all the right things to encourage foreign teams to tour Pakistan up to now.

Another dhoka then? Should PCB go to court now, or boycott WI as well?
 
Karachi: West Indies have postponed their visit to Pakistan for a three-match Twenty20 series, with the leading Caribbean players expressing concerns about their security in the country, sources have claimed.

The PCB sources said the tour will now be planned next year when a window is available to both the teams even as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made no official comment on the fate of the tour.

"Some of the players were reluctant to tour when the West Indies board spoke to them. Seniors like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo made it clear they would not be available for the series if it went ahead," one source said.

"Even the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) had concerns despite being sent the report of the security company hired by the ICC to inspect security situation and arrangements in Pakistan," the source added.

After inspection visits and positive reports of the security experts, World XI had come to play three T20 matches in Lahore in September and Sri Lankan board also sent its team, albeit a depleted one, to Lahore for a lone T20I on October 29.

"But apparently even the World XI and Sri Lankan team tours were not enough to lay to rest the concerns of some West Indies players," the source said.

Another source said West Indies had to go to New Zealand from November 25th, plus the smog and foggy conditions in Lahore led to postponement of the tour.

"But it will take place eventually as the West Indies cricket board has not backed out and is committed to making the tour," the source said

http://zeenews.india.com/cricket/we...players-concerned-about-security-2055562.html

The source is an Indian news channel. I'd wait for this being reported by another source first.
 
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