The Mariott attack in Pakistan, then The Taj and Trident Oberoi in Mumbai…What was common was the blood flow. All that was widespread was terror, terror and only terror.
Pakistan was deprived of the Champions Trophy after a truck full of explosives had launched its bonnet into the entrance of the high profile hotel. Australia, South Africa and New Zealand clearly stated that they were not interested in visiting Pakistan owing to security concerns in the country. India too refused its tour to the neighbouring country after the relations got sour after the deadly 26/11 attacks. Pakistan, then headed towards Sri Lanka.
After initially refusing, the islanders finally gave in to their persuasion and decided to tour the cricket-robbed nation. How great would it have been had they too rejected the offer to tour Pakistan? This black day would never have been associated with the cricketing fraternity.
Pakistan was losing millions as a result of the cricket tournaments being cancelled on a regular basis. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) pitied them and decided to play on their soil for the sake of the game. How on earth can someone target those men? This is absolutely like killing someone who provides you food and shelter. This isn’t terrorism, this is barbaric man slaughter, and it is something that one in flesh and blood can never do, no matter how insane he/she is.
The implication is here to be seen. The BCCI has said that no teams would be ready to play in Pakistan for at least 5 years. In less than 48 hours, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will come up with its decision on the World Cup 2011 and in all probabilities, Pakistan, if not the entire sub-continent, is guaranteed to lose the ‘host’ status.
No country will be ready to visit a nation where the ambassadors of the game aren’t spared, a nation where one is not respected and on top of it all, a nation where one’s life is at risk, even after the security guaranteed by the government.
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