Return of International Cricket to Pakistan is great news not only for cricket lovers but for the whole country. The ICC chief on Monday welcomed the return of international cricket to Pakistan. “This is a good day for world cricket as the PCB hosts a World XI in Lahore for three T20 International games. It has been a long and tough journey as the PCB, Pakistan players and fans have been starved of the opportunity to stage, play and watch international cricket in their own country. I am hopeful that today marks the start of the safe and steady return of international cricket to Pakistan,†the ICC website quoted the ICC chief as saying. Earlier, the ICC director Giles Clarke paid tribute to the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board and the passion of the cricket-loving nation in bringing international cricket back home. “It’s been a long road and I’m very happy to see international cricket finally return here,†the ICC director said, pointing out that Lahore’s successful hosting of the PSL final earlier this year was crucial in making the World XI tour possible.
It is after eight year hiatus that country is hosting world-XI for a 3-matich T20 Independence cup. Pakistan suffered a big blow after 2009 terrorist attack on Sri Lanka cricket team as major foreign Test-playing nations refused to visit Pakistan due to security threat. The absence of international cricket cost Pakistan heavily on one hand while on the other Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as well as the players too suffered terribly. The unfortunate incident was later used as a pretext of security threat as result the cricket enthusiastic nation was deprived of live games for eight long years.
Now that the Game is back, credit for the revival of international cricket goes to PCB that has worked painstakingly for the return of International cricket in the country. However, we must not forget those who have offered supreme sacrifices to improve security situation in the country by eradicating the scourge of terrorism in the country.It is high time that the provincial government should engage the top security apparatus of the city to ensure foolproof security for the visiting foreign players. As all eyes will be focused on three T20 International games being held in Lahore, hosting of such mega event provides a unique opportunity for Pakistan to show that the country is safe enough to host international cricket again. However, the onus of responsibility heavily lies with the government and all its security apparatus to ascertain the authenticity and practicality of the improved security situation in Pakistan.
