- But has the security?
The long and lengthy nose down dive of Pakistani cricket has finally begun to find its way back up again, and has gained some momentum, primarily through Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB’s) initiative of Pakistan Super League (PSL). The event, having completed its third round now, although has been scheduled at an external venue i.e. the UAE, has had a pull effect on international cricket bodies, and cricketers, serving the purpose of not only the game’s revival in Pakistan, but presenting Pakistan as a potentially safe venue for hosting cricket matches.
Pakistan had lost the honour amid the consequences that prevailed following the terrorist attack on the Sri-Lankan team in Lahore back in 2009. Six players had suffered injuries as a result of the attack.
In addition to attracting local talent to participate, the event has also been able to attract renowned international cricket stars to play for the participating teams and franchises. The PSL attracted the public in overwhelming numbers to the otherwise quiet grounds providing entertainment to the cricket loving nation. The National Stadium (Karachi), hosting the final of the event, echoed with enchanted slogans after ages; 10 years to be precise.
While on one side, the event is being looked upon by the authorities and the nation at large, as a success in bringing back the game home, which it has done to an extent, on the other side we must avoid losing our track, and ask ourselves tough questions as well.
Had the entire PSL been played at home grounds, would the event have still attracted the number of international cricketers as an external venue did?
The encouraging point to end on here, however, is that we are on the right track! We just need to remain focused, and not lose our way
There is no denying the harsh reality that many international cricketers abstained from participating in the deciding final since it was being played in Pakistan; primarily in view of the present security concerns. The event being organised at an external venue was still a major reason that encouraged participation of the international cricketers in the event. The situation would have certainly been different otherwise. Security situation in the country has improved; this needs to be re-emphasised and re-enforced again and again at international level, and to the international cricketing bodies in order to win back the long lost confidence. Perhaps we are still lacking here!
Moving on, we all have been witnesses to the tight security measures put in place by the government authorities, and the law enforcement agencies at all levels in order to ensure a safe conduct of the PSL finals, whether in Karachi or back in Lahore. Half of the city hosting the final closed down, multiple major roads cordoned off, traffic diversion plan issuance, public discomfort and haphazardness, placement of security personnel all around the city, and many more, without a doubt these do not account for a fool-proof secured venue. Heavy placement of law enforcement official contingents, in fact, distorts the security image of the host country. We will be called a secure country, perhaps, when the international players would be able to move around freely on their own in our streets, without any security deployments on ground.
And above all, all of this is done just for one (1) match i.e. the final game of the event. With all of these aforementioned measures to be put in place, is hosting the entire event even a considerable possibility for the government, the PCB, the law enforcement agencies, and even the public (with all the love and passion for cricket)? The answer, unfortunately, might be no. And with that, the claims of being a secure host might become questionable.
Nothing against the good work that has been done in order to bring back the game of cricket home, the initiatives and achievements of the PCB are commendable, of course with the support of relevant authorities. The game is certainly back, but it is critical for us not to lose our way in the midst of these landmarks achieved. The security in the country has improved, and events like PSL, followed by the West Indian cricket team visiting Pakistan for a three match T-20 series are an acknowledgement of our national claim, but there is a lot more than just blowing smoke and ringing bells that needs to be done.
The nation looks forward to hosting the entire PSL event, along with many other international events to come home, and for that it is mandatory to not just further improve the security situation, but to highlight and communicate our successes at the international arena.
The encouraging point to end on here, however, is that we are on the right track! We just need to remain focused, and not lose our way. Security, in its true sense, must come back to Pakistan first and the rest will follow itself.
