In the midst of uncertainty, the PCB spokesmen maintained that they have not received any official confirmation from the ZC regarding Zimbabwe’s decision PHOTO: AFP
As Thursday neared its close, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was busy making breakneck attempts to save Zimbabwe’s upcoming tour of Pakistan, which is expected to end a seven-year suspension of international cricket in Pakistan.
The events took a dramatic turn when news emerged that Zimbabwe have decided to suspend their tour of Pakistan on their sports regulatory body’s advice, which deemed the tour unsafe. The reports took social media and news channels by storm in the country.
However, when almost all resigned to the fact that international cricket will remain suspended in Pakistan, another development took place just 15 minutes later when Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said that talks are still going on and a final decision is yet to be taken.
The recent surge in violence on Wednesday in Karachi, which left more than 40 people dead, seems to have influenced the whole scenario.
In the midst of uncertainty, the PCB spokesmen maintained that they have not received any official confirmation regarding the decision, which prompted Chairman Shaharyar Khan to make a call to ZC Chairman Wilson Manase.
“Zimbabwe Cricket wants to send its team to Pakistan, but they need to convince their government first,” said Shaharyar about his discussion. “They have asked for some time before making a decision tomorrow [Friday]. We’ve assured them of providing foolproof security.”
A six-member security delegation from Zimbabwe had paid a visit to Lahore last week and expressed satisfaction on the security arrangements before heading back.
The tour was all but confirmed when ZC Managing Director Alistair Campbell stated that the national team will arrive in Lahore on May 19 and will play three one-dayers and two T20Is.
The background
The PCB had managed to convince ZC to send its national team to Pakistan. In return, coverage of the full expenses of the tour and a reciprocal visit to Zimbabwe in August was promised.
The board officials believe that there is a lot at stake for both teams, with Pakistan hoping for the resumption of international cricket in the country and ZC benefitting from some competitive international cricket under their belts.
The tours that weren’t meant to be
“It’s not just about Pakistan, but there is a lot at stake for Zimbabwe as well,” said PCB spokesmen. “So hopefully, an amicable decision will be taken by ZC. For us, it’s about the return of international cricket after 2009, while for Zimbabwe it is about getting a reciprocal tour in August, the financial benefit of over $300,000 for their proposed tour and getting competitive matches.”
They further said that the PCB is engaged in constant talks with their Zimbabwean counterparts. “Hopes have increased after ZC backtracked from its earlier statement of suspension,” concluded the officials.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2015.
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