Bring it on: Pakistanis all set to welcome cricket back home
As a cricketer, in a few years time, I will be able to look back and say that I played my part in bringing cricket back to Pakistan, said Faf du Plessis in Lahore. Photo: Getty
(Web Desk) – With the return of international cricket on Pakistani soil, cricket fans are gearing up to witness live action in Lahore starting today, following a long pause triggered by security concerns across the country.
The much awaited three T20 matches against the World XI has brought back to life cricket to a nation that simply can’t get enough of it.
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Pakistani crowd cheering for Pakistan during T20 match in 2015. Photo: Getty
“It is not just about cricket. This short tour is for something bigger. We are just happy that after a long time Pakistani cricket fans can watch international action at home,” Faf du Plessis said at a press conference in Lahore on Monday.
“You always try to find things to help you leave your mark, and this seemed like the sort of opportunity to do just that,” Du Plessis said. “As a cricketer, in a few years’ time, I will be able to look back and say that I played my part in bringing cricket back to Pakistan,” he added.
As players arrived from Dubai at the Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore they were received warmly by top officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board, including its chairman Najam Sethi.
While the first match is scheduled for today, the other two will be held on 13th and 15th of September in Lahore.
All entry and exit points to the Mall Road were closed for the traffic on Monday, as hundreds of security guards stood alert across the path. The heavy security has been tighter surrounding the five-star hotel where the players are staying during the tour.
The World XI squad consists of players from England, Australia, West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
A security officer passing through Gaddafi Stadium; covered with huge billboards of cricket celebrities for the upcoming matches. Photo: ICC official Twitter
"It s great to be here," said Andy Flower, the World XI coach and former Zimbabwe captain. "We are looking forward to seeing a lot of you watching the great cricket that we are going to put on show and we had a warm welcome already."
"This series could not have been better timed," said Pakistani former test captain and fast bowler Waqar Younis. "Pakistan produced a superb performance by winning the ICC Champions Trophy, and the players deserve the opportunity to display their class at home venues."
Ramiz Raja, another former Pakistan test cricketer and now television commentator, also celebrated the return of international cricket at home. "These might be baby steps before some giant steps are taken. For now, let s back this to the hilt," he said.
Clarke and PCB chief, Najam Sethi expressed hope that more international teams would come to Pakistan after the World XI tour.
Sethi stated that, "To achieve a greater benefit, the nation will have to make small sacrifices." Photo: Getty
Clarke appreciated the support and full involvement of the Pakistan government and its security agencies in pushing for the revival of international cricket in the country. “It is a momentous tour and I must thank Andy Flower for playing a key role in talking and convincing the players to be part of this historic series,” he added.
Pakistan is hosting international cricket after many years. This series comes in after the 2009 attack on Sri Lankan team’s bus in Lahore that led to injuries to seven of its players and resulted in the deaths of six police men and a driver of a minibus, who was escorting the game’s umpires. The incident sent shockwaves across Pakistan and the cricketing world.
Commissioner of Lahore Abdullah Sumbal told the BBC that "there are multiple new threats [of militant attacks] and steps have been taken to counter them" for the World XI matches”.
More than 8,000 police personnel have been facilitated for security duties and traffic management, in addition to paramilitary troops and intelligence service personnel. A makeshift hospital has been set up near the stadium, provided with 20 ambulances.
Zimbabwean team was hosted by Pakistan in 2015, but that visit was also marred by a bomb attack near the Lahore stadium.
Pakistan and Zimbabwe’s match in 2015 at Gaddafi Stadium. Photo: cricbuzz.com
Despite critics voicing concerns over security issues, Chairman PCB has constantly justified the security measures taken by the Punjab authorities. "To achieve a greater benefit, the nation will have to make small sacrifices," he told journalists.
