pakistan cricket, cricket, International World XI, Sanath Jayasuriya, t20 karachi, t20, Twenty 20, International World XI, Pakistan All Stars, International cricket pakistan, pcb, pakistan cricket board
International World XI captain Sanath Jayasuriya (C) arrives at the stadium in Karachi on October 20, 2012 as an International World XI side take on Pakistan All Stars in a Twenty 20 match . International cricket of a sort returns to Pakistan this weekend for the first time since the Sri Lanka team were attacked in 2009, but a resumption of tours by overseas sides remains a distant prospect. - Photo by AFP.

KARACHI: Security was tight on Saturday as Pakistan hosted the first match of an international flavour in the country since 2009, when militants attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan team.

A sell-out 32,000 crowd at the well-cordoned National stadium watched an International World XI led by former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya play All Stars Pakistan led by current allrounder Shahid Afridi.

The unofficial match, organised by sports minister of Sindh province Mohammad Ali Shah but backed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is seen as a small step towards reviving international cricket in Pakistan.

The attacks in March 2009, which left eight people dead and seven Sri Lankan players wounded, forced foreign teams to shun tours to Pakistan over security fears.

Around 5,000 policemen and para-military staff cordoned off the stadium in a top-level security arrangement.

“A top-level security plan was devised for the match with around 5,000 policeman in and around the stadium,” said a police official.

“The sweeping of the entire stadium was done 24 hours before the start of the match to eliminate the likelihood of any explosive substance or devices planted by the saboteurs,” the official said.

Around one dozen police vehicles led both the teams to the ground, with anti-explosive equipment and sniffer dogs on guard an hour before the scheduled start at 8:00pm (3:00GMT).

“It is a grand occasion,” Jayasuriya said at the toss.

“All the players are excited to be the part of this match and the enthusiasm of the fans makes it a befitting occasion.

“Judging by the enthusiasm it is unfortunate that Pakistan has not been able to host international matches, but this match will definitely help, maybe in a small way to bring cricket back to Pakistan.” A colourful band welcomed both the teams at the ground, as fans settled in the stands, left vacant and unattended in the wake of Pakistan's cricket exile.

“It's nice to see cricket back in Pakistan,” former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas told AFP. “It is a small match but the flavour is there, the interest is there and I am glad that this happened.” Despite the resumption of big-time cricket still a distant dream as bombings and killings are still rampant in the country, fans are hopeful bigger teams will follow suit once the security situation improves.

“We are delighted to see a cricket match finally taking place,” said Suleman Khan. “I hope other teams are also watching and change their minds about Pakistan.”

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

FORMER first lady Bushra Bibi’s video address to PTI followers has triggered a firestorm. Her assertion implying...
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...