After so many years of convincing visiting teams to play cricket in its territory, Pakistan is now having a complete revival of international cricket. A cricketing superpower that was accustomed to hosting top-tier teams, Pakistan has suffered through severed isolation after terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team in 2009. A re-engagement of sorts on security guarantees and successful tours has made it all possible, and the party is in full swing now.
A Long, Hard Battle to Normalcy
After a decade of hosting its “home” matches in the UAE and with teams being reluctant to visit because of security-related justifications, there began the slow return of teams, Zimbabwe first in 2015, followed by Sri Lanka, West Indies, and South Africa in subsequent years. But it was the tour of England and Australia superpowers of cricket that saw the turning point in full reinstating the lost confidence in Pakistan as a safe cricket venue. The previous tours have proven beyond any shadow of a doubt that Pakistan can host big cricket matches without any fuss especially with the added boost to this quest being the successful hosting of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in its homestead.
A Time for Cricket Celebrations
Coming back to the Pakistani cricket grounds has brought a lot of grandeur to the moods of the stadiums. People who have for so long been living under the auspices of deprivation of live-action have been eager to embrace the revival of international cricket. Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan have once again come alive, with full stadiums waving flags and cheering for their heroes.
International cricket is not cricket alone; it will boost tourism and the economy within Pakistan. Visitors convert into business for hotels and restaurants, and the local enterprises also gain from it. The upholding of the game is by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in the enhancement of relations with the world through sports.
Tomorrow Today
Today Pakistan, after a long time, is ready to be drawn on the world’s cricket map, and now it is time to look towards the future. The most important future event that the PCB intends to host is incorporating the bids on grand events like the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, which is considered Pakistan’s first international event in close to three decades. Resumed full-fledged cricket in Pakistan also allows its young cricketers to ply their trade at home under the eyes of their fans and also against some of the world’s best.
Efforts of great endurance and resilience, and love for the game, bring Pakistan back to the world of cricket. The far-fetched dream that a few years back seemed distant from reality is now a reality. And the celebration is just beginning for the cricket-bugged nation.
