It’s a known fact that Pakistanis live and breathe cricket. From the streets to the stadiums and everything in between, we’re always engrossed in any sort of match we can play or at least watch. When the Pakistani team wins, the streets get crowded, the smiles become wider, and the joy is immeasurable. When the team loses though, the pain is felt deep down by each and every one of us. Year 2009 onwards, cricket in Pakistan was at a standstill. Unfortunately, cricket aficionados faced immense isolation and misery in these past few years; waiting earnestly for the revival of cricket in their homeland.
The year 2022 proved fruitful for Pakistan in terms of sports as the nation saw the return of international cricket. After the terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009, it seemed like all the foreign teams turned their back from sports related events in the country. Six Sri Lankan cricketers were severely injured in the incident which pushed Pakistan in isolation from international cricket and other sports events in the country. Security concerns dominated the enthusiastic spirit of sport. It has been a continuous effort. It has been a tough grind. But, after nearly a decade, Pakistan has finally become safe for cricket. Notably, hosting of Pakistan Super League in Pakistan has played a vital role in paving the way for international cricket in Pakistan. Since many international stars take part in the PSL and their feedback to their respective boards could have played a big part.
Revival of International Cricket after 13 years was not a smooth affair as the New Zealand cricket team landed in Pakistan to play a series in 2021 but they left the country without playing a single ball on security reasons, although they were given foolproof security as they practised for three days in Rawalpindi. Pakistan Cricket Board and the government tried their best to convince them to carry on the tour. Even Prime Minister Imran Khan called his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Arden to tell her that there was no security issue in the country, but they stuck to their plans and flew back. This tour was followed by England’s men and women cricket teams, who also decided to withdraw. Both the teams have promised to tour Pakistan shortly to fulfill their commitments.
Pakistan’s cricket is in good hands with new selectors and the team performances are also being recognised at a global level. With the improvement in security and law and order situation, international teams in the coming years are more likely to come to Pakistan. This series was actually considered a pathway to resuming fully-fledged international cricket on home soil. But due to ongoing political crises in the country, we completely failed to cash this revival of International Cricket. It is hoped that after this successful international cricket series more teams will visit Pakistan and cricket comes to home again.