Daily Times

Stifling security, long queues, sweltering heat nothing could stop almost 27,000 fans from reaching the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore to witness the historic moment. By organising the first T20 game after almost nine years, Pakistan succeeded in ending its cricket draught it has been facing since a terrorists attack on Sri Lanka squad in 2009. Since the arrival of the Zimbabwe team in Pakistan, there are stringent security arrangements with 2,000 policemen guarding their hotel and the route to the stadium. Fans were advised to reach the ground four hours before the scheduled start of the match, but that still failed to dissuade them from watching the match. There was a charged atmosphere all around the stadium, which has literally been turned into a fortress. Roads were closed, shops and restaurants were shut and there were unending traffic woes. The Lahorites braved all these difficulties for the sake of cricket that shows their love for this game. The Punjab government and security officials should have done their homework for mitigating the sufferings of citizens by fixing alternative routes for the general public. Although the presence of thousands of police and paramilitary forces deployed in and around the Gaddafi Stadium did not present a good image to the international community, yet it was unavoidable under the given circumstances. Pakistan cannot afford another untoward incident and cannot underestimate the terrorists’ threat. The government is making solid efforts to ensure that the tour goes well, which is very necessary for the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. So far, Pakistan has played all its home matches on the neutral venues mostly in United Arab Emirates.
The first T20 match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe was full of entertainment. Scintillating performances were presented by both teams, which were enjoyed a lot by the fans. Zimbabwe’s top order came good and scraped to a descent total while the hosts put up a strong reply with the help of fascinating performances by openers Mukhtar Ahmad and Ahmed Shahzad. Especially Mukhtar was stunning with his contribution of 83 off 45 balls. Quick wickets put Pakistan in an awkward situation but Skipper Shahid Afridi concluded the game with a straight boundary to complete the win with three balls to spare. In the end, it was a nail-biting finish. Special thanks to the Zimbabwe team players who risked their lives and came here to revive international cricket. The Zimbabwe Cricket has taken a bold decision and the Pakistan Cricket Board must return the favour and help Zimbabwe cricket as well. *