Sports revival

International sports events are now happening in Pakistan, in what comes as a proof of the improved security situation in the country. Of late, there has been a flurry of sporting activities in the country involving foreign teams and players. While international cricket is coming back to Pakistan, famed international footballers, wrestlers, skiers as well as squash and kabaddi players are also participating in events being organised here.

Over the last two months alone, Pakistan has hosted key international events viz, CNS International Squash Championship, Malam Jabba International Alpine Ski Cup, CAS Karakoram International Alpine Ski Cup, Kabaddi World Cup as well as international cricket matches with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club of England is the latest to arrive in Pakistan under the captaincy of Kumar Sangakkara for a weeklong tour. Moreover, the entire fifth edition of Pakistan Super League has been scheduled to be held in Pakistan for the first time, from February 20 to March 22. A lot of foreign cricketers are confirmed to grace the premier league.

Thanks to the armed forces of Pakistan in particular, we have been able to see foreign sportsmen in action on our soil which, for years, suffered from a severe drought of international sporting events in the wake of the 2009 terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore. That players from almost every continent are now coming to Pakistan stresses on the country being safe for foreign travellers. These players include skiers from Canada, Greece, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Turkey; squash stars from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Egypt; and kabaddi players from countries like India, Iran, Germany, England, Canada, Australia, Azerbaijan and Sierra Leone.

The revival of international sports in the country can be used as an example to quote for the purpose of promoting tourism in the country and attracting foreign investors, thereby earning the much-needed foreign exchange.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2020.

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