Credit for cricket’s home coming after lapse of nine years cannot be given to just a few in an off the cuff manner. The entire nation had prayed and waited for the great moments of international cricketers from seven out of 12 cricket laying nations around the world arrived to mark return of the cricket to Pakistan after they got positive indications from one and all about marked improved situation in the country. Federal and provincial governments, law enforcing agencies personnel, army and rangers jawans put out their best to ensure safe and secure cricket playing environment to foreign as well as local cricketers. All those involved in organising the great event from top to bottom and bottom to top are quite obviously also among those who made all it possible for this to happen as peacefully possible and in an organised manner.
Besides large number of enthusiasts who thronged the Qaddafi Stadium to see Pakistan outplaying World XI, all those who withstood the inconvenience patiently with smiling faces caused to them due to fool proof security arrangements also have surely made their contributions, directly and indirectly, towards revival of international cricket in Pakistan.
Well done, Pakistani Cricket and International Cricketers our most honoured and welcomed guests. Surely and certainly, cricket has won. Together, they’ve all sent a very positive message about Pakistan the world over.
This is just a good beginning towards coming home of cricket in Pakistan. With the continued blessings of Almighty Allah, there will be more cricket when Sri Lankan team arrives to play one T20 match in Lahore towards end of October to be followed by a visit of West Indies team in November 2017. With due course of time, international cricket matches hopefully are also going to be played at other cricket venues as well besides Lahore.
TANVIR ZAHID
Lahore
