Situationer: cricket leads revival
LAHORE: A big crowd in an upbeat mood turned out at the Gaddafi stadium as the first of the three T-20 games between Pakistan and the World XI on Tuesday marked the start of a crucial phase in the country’s struggle to recover from the effect of terrorism perpetuated here over the last 15 years.
Much was at stake and the government made elaborate security arrangements for the game, which is to be followed by another one tomorrow and the third and final match on Friday. Thousands of police were deployed and the visiting players were provided president-level security. All routes to the venue were protected and special directions were issued for those wanting to go to the stadium to watch the game.
Businesses in the nearby markets, including Hafeez Centre and Liberty, were closed, at a cost to their owners. There were complaints by commuters stuck in the traffic jams caused by the staging of the game. Some of the educational institutes in the area around Gaddafi stadium were closed.
The three-match series is expected to boost the chances of Pakistan getting back top-tier international cricket. International cricket was snatched from the country after the devastating attack on the Sri Lankan side in Lahore in March 2009.
The board’s effort for the restoration has continued and the current event, titled Independence Cup to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Pakistan’s birth, is being officially termed as the second long stride towards restoration of international cricket in its full glory. Pakistan played host to Zimbabwe for a short series in Lahore in 2015. More recently, a few international cricketers travelled to the city to take part in the final of the Pakistan Super League after all the preliminary games of the tournament were played in the Gulf.
The PSL player draw was criticised by some — not least by former national captain and today’s main opposition leader Imran Khan. It was said that the PCB was unable to attract top-level players to come to Pakistan for the PSL final. In comparison the board managed to have a much stronger international side this time around.