The Story
The historic Independence Cup has shunned most of the security related-worries in Pakistan. The purpose of the World XI visit was achieved, as they have now had successfully restored the faith about Pakistan’s ability to host international cricket with any security worries.
The international side led by Faf du Plessis was the only the second international team, after Zimbabwe, to visit Pakistan after the terror attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009. The unfortunate event led to a complete isolation of the international cricket in the country forcing Pakistan to play their “home games” away from home in UAE.
The arrangements were top notch. Thousands of security officials including armed soldiers guarded the stadium and the team hotel. The spectators were required to go through at least four different checkpoints before entering the stadium.
These efforts by the PCB, in association with the ICC, has now opened the gates for Pakistan to host international cricket.
Collingwood Tries to Instill Confidence
Former England skipper Paul Collingwood, who was a part of the World XI side which lost 2-1 to Pakistan, feels that other teams should also consider touring Pakistan.
“We were there five days, and if you had that level of security for a longer tour, I can’t imagine how much it would cost,” Collingwood told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It was like having the army around you at all times, which was excellent because we knew we were safe, [but] the disruption it must cause to everyday living, because they literally closed all the roads to get to the ground.
“If you can sustain that level of security for a longer period of time, I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t tour there.”
Sceptical at first, proud later
Collingwood did have some doubts before the trip, he reveals. But, after being treated with the superb hospitality, he states that he felt proud that he was part of this process.
“I was a bit sceptical when I first signed up, and I haven’t had a great time with Pakistan cricket in the past in terms of [Mohammad] Amir and no-balls [in 2010], the ball tampering [allegations in 2006] etc so I was thinking ‘do I want to support that’ but after the week I’ve had I’m really proud I’ve been involved,” he said.
“You feel as though you’ve done something good for the game. I probably didn’t realise the impact it had. We’re a cricketing family and you have to help each other out.