Sports

Ijaz Butt keeping cool

PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt crosses the border with a calm head and thinking only about the sport.

Umar Farooq March 29, 2011

LAHORE:

The rivalry between the two countries might have aroused emotion to the point of becoming war-like, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt crossed the border with a calm head and thinking only about the sport.

The chairman, however, was confident Pakistan would do well because players’ morale was high. And though he played down the attached emotions, he acknowledged that “exceptional circumstances” had made it the most important match of the World Cup.

“It’s not war, just a cricket match between two countries,” he said. “And results can be either way but both Pakistan and India are fairly-balanced teams plus our team is on a high, something that I wasn’t excepting much.

“Given the recent tough times, I think the team has already done us proud by coming this far. It has shown to the world what Pakistan cricket is all about. I think the International Cricket Council could not have hoped for a better advertisement than this semi-final.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2011.

COMMENTS (1)

Hedgefunder | 13 years ago | Reply Dear Mr Butt, A sincere request from all cricket loving fans worldwide, Firstly commiserations on your teams loss today, but a great game!!! Now please do not start with any ridiculas comments about the venue, facilities, intimidation or pressure from outside forces!! the best team won ! Lastly do not start any witch hunt for the failure either, as the team has performed exceptionally in the tourament!!!! In the Honour of PM Gillani's visit to the match on goodwill and diplomatic mission, it would be nice to see you offer the Indian side their due support in the finals ! As after the last touring team in your country, i am sure the sri lankans will not appreciate any gestures from you. Once again thank you for your esteemed comments in past, however flawed they were ! But today they are forgiven as there is new dawn in our two countries diplomacy and talks to resolve the outstanding issues. Lastly if the positive action is taken by the PCB, then I am sure that some of the most talented players in pakistan squad will have no difficulty in playing in IPL.

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