High-profile cricket returns to Pakistan

Pakistan hosted the first match of an international flavour in the country since 2009, when militants attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan team.

20 october 2012 is the bright day in the history of Pakistan when international cricketers visited Pakistan after a long time..

A sell-out 32,000 crowd at the well-cordoned National stadium watched an International World XI led by former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya play All Stars Pakistan led by current all rounder Shahid Afridi.

The unofficial match, organised by sports minister of Sindh province Mohammad Ali Shah but backed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is seen as a small step towards reviving international cricket in Pakistan.
The attacks in March 2009, which left eight people dead and seven Sri Lankan players wounded, forced foreign teams to shunt tours to Pakistan over security fears.

               security arrangements for honourable guests

Around 5,000 policemen and para-military staff cordoned off the stadium in a top-level security arrangement.
“A top-level security plan was devised for the match with around 5,000 policeman in and around the stadium,” said a police official.

“The sweeping of the entire stadium was done 24 hours before the start of the match to eliminate the likelihood of any explosive substance or devices planted by the saboteurs,” the official said.
Around one dozen police vehicles led both the teams to the ground, with anti-explosive equipment and sniffer dogs on guard an hour before the scheduled start at 8:00pm (3:00GMT).

“It is a grand occasion,” Jayasuriya said at the toss.

“All the players are excited to be the part of this match and the enthusiasm of the fans makes it a befitting occasion.

“Judging by the enthusiasm it is unfortunate that Pakistan has not been able to host international matches, but this match will definitely help, maybe in a small way to bring cricket back to Pakistan.”

A colourful band welcomed both the teams at the ground, as fans settled in the stands, left vacant and unattended in the wake of Pakistan’s cricket exile.

                    warm welcome of international world eleven to Pakistan

“It’s nice to see cricket back in Pakistan,” former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas told AFP. “It is a small match but the flavour is there, the interest is there and I am glad that this happened.” Despite the resumption of big-time cricket still a distant dream as bombings and killings are still rampant in the country, fans are hopeful bigger teams will follow suit once the security situation improves.

“We are delighted to see a cricket match finally taking place,” said Suleman Khan. “I hope other teams are also watching and change their minds about Pakistan.”

Snatah Jayasuriya who first time came to Pakistan as under 21 players and hit a dashing century at the National stadium about two decades ago said he was returning to Pakistan after a long time and hoped the visit of an international world eleven will augur well for Pakistan cricket.

He said attack on his national team in Lahore which suspended international cricket in this country was an extremely unfortunate incident. He said time had come that international cricket was restored in Pakistan and hoped the series would be good beginning for Pakistan cricket.

He said time had come that international cricket was restored in this country. Hosting of the two matches successfully, he said would give positive signal to the cricketers all around the world. He said he had always enjoyed playing in Pakistan in front of local fans who were as crazy about the sports as any other country of the region. The Pakistani fans needed good international and hoped that the matches would be good entertainment to local fans.

The manager of the International World XI Alvin Kallincharan of the West Indies on arrival here said he last came to Pakistan in 1972 and was returning to this country after a lapse of forty years.He said he was confident that the series here would give positive signals to cricket players all over the world. International cricket should be restored in Pakistan, he added. Sindh Sports Minister Dr  MA Shah who is the chief organizer of series received them at the airport and profusely garlanded them.

Dr Shah was hopeful that gathering of international stars of the present and the yore would prove a turning point for Pakistan cricket and would be helpful in restoring international cricket.Players from South Africa, the West Indies and Sri Lanka arrived here early this morning by difference flights and destination. They were warmly received at the airport and driven to the hotel. Pakistan Stars XI is due to arrive here on Friday. 

Thanks to ALLAH ALMIGHTY WHO honour us today with 2 blessings in the international community..:)
The contributions of Govt of Sindh, Pakistan cricket board, Geo super, and Minister of sports sindh Dr M.ali are well known in organising this event.. Hope to see International cricket in PAKISTAN Soon INSHA ALLAH..

At the end thanks to international players of South Africa, Afghanistan, Sri-lanks, and others..
International events shold restored in Pakistan.. we are peaceful people.