For many, the abrupt postponement of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has ended chances of revival of international cricket in the country at least this year, but Zaka Ashraf is still hopeful about bringing top-level action back in the country soon.
The PSL, considered as the only channel to convince international teams to return to Pakistan in the middle of security fears was postponed. One of the main reasons was the refusal of major boards to give No-Objection Certificates (NOC) to its players despite their ‘willingness’ to play in the proposed league in the country.
Pakistan has not hosted a major international team since the attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore in 2009, after which the team also lost the co-hosting of the World Cup in 2011.
A senior Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official admitted that following the postponement of the PSL, the board was in a difficult situation regarding its bid to revive international cricket.
“No doubt the postponement is a setback, but it was inevitable,” the official told The Express Tribune.
He conceded that although the board was currently mulling over to hold the event in August after the tour of West Indies, the possibility of the competition remained an uncertainty.
“It’s the year of general elections in the country and no one knows what might happen since changes in the government affect the board directly. The PSL was a major attempt on our part to urge teams to play in Pakistan. But since it remains uncertain this year, there isn’t much hope regarding the return of international cricket soon.”
Ashraf not ready to surrender challenge
However, Ashraf, who took over as PCB chairman in 2011 with a goal to revive international cricket, expressed that his priority would remain the same.
Unlike his subordinates, the board chief felt the task is still possible this year.
“I am still hopeful,” said Ashraf, when asked to comment on his feeling of disparity.
He said it was just misperception about Pakistan that was making the foreign teams reluctant to visit the country.
“The areas plagued by terrorism are far-flung. The outside world does not realise the distance of the affected areas from our venues. We may have to change our strategy and work out a plan for the challenge. We will keep striving for the task.”
PCB to outline security measures to ICC, boards
While the PCB chief implies a change in strategy, another PCB official said the board was planning to give a presentation to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and other boards on the current situation in the country.
The official informed that the board has hired a senior Army official – a counter terrorism expert – to brief the concerned authorities about the security measures being made to ensure a safe event.
“The PCB can’t get a significant breakthrough without winning the confidence of the ICC and member boards,” he said. “The presentation, which is expected soon, will be prepared extensively to define all the security plans for hosting a high-level event.”
Zaka Ashraf
“The outside world does not realise the distance of the affected areas from our venues. We may have to change our strategy and work out a plan for the challenge. We will keep striving for the task.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 12th, 2013.
COMMENTS (6)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Zaka, Revival of cricket should the objective not necessarily international. Try to see past videos of international matches and see how much crowd you see in the stadiums. Local industry, local activity is vital and more important than international.
Carry on the league as it is without the international stars. We do not need "white players" to show we are a competitive league. Our own players can benefit from this in financial terms as well as they will get some exposure too. Do not postponed this event or otherwise it may never have a chance to even start.
Getting international cricket to play in Pakistan is aiming a bit too high.
Firstly, let the security situation in the country cool down. With violence in Lahore at a minimum risk level, the matches can be played there and Islamabad/Rawalpindi. The foreign boards should not object to games in Lahore. If they do, then the reply is in front of us that they do not like our brand of cigarettes.
Secondly, we have to learn to keep our commitments in letter and spirit. The ex-chairman of PCB did an excellent job of keeping his commitment with the Sri Lankan team. The 'glory hunter' did not have the shame to resign and further exacerbated the case against us by calling the English players 'match' and 'spot fixers.'
With this irredeemable attitude who will want to take the risk of their players being shot. Salams
@Raju Keep dreaming!
PCB shall hold the entire tournament in UAE except the semi finals and the final. This will relieve international players concern by a huge sum!
No cant see international cricket in Pakistan in next ten years