The Pakistan Super League final- an unwise move?

Considering the recent critical security situation in Pakistan and the decision of Government of Pakistan to host the final match of Pakistan Super League in Qaddafi Stadium Lahore, a question comes to mind, inquiring ‘whether the State is overlooking the security of its subjects?’ In order to answer this question, we need to first see the goal and purpose of making such a brave or perhaps questionable decision. In the light of that goal, we can analyze whether this is achievable? And even if it is so, that is achievable, is it wise at all to sacrifice the rights of its citizens on the altar of cricket’s revival ?

After the 3rd March 2009 incident in Lahore, where the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked by terrorists on their way to Qaddafi Stadium, the gates of international cricket had to be closed to Pakistan. However, for past few years, after rigorous military operations and some control over militancy and terrorism, Pakistan has been trying hard to break this hiatus in its cricket grounds. A year ago, Zimbabwe’s cricket team was invited to tour Pakistan. Unfortunately, this did not disrupt the reticence on our cricket grounds and stadiums. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is another forceful attempt to show the world that Pakistan is not at the eye of the target for terrorism by harnessing the country’s passion for cricket to reintroduce its own international cricket league and simultaneously claiming the country’s fair share in the global cricketing market.

PSL started last year, when all of its matches were played in U.A,E, in the grounds of Sharjah. Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These grounds have been second home for Pakistan Cricket since the unfortunate terrorist attack on Sri Lankan team.

All this while, the most steadfast have been Pakistani cricketing fans, continuously dreaming and praying for the revival of cricket at home; for their stadiums to once again host international events, to be brimming with the chanting of this cricket crazy nation, and to witness its National Team play against other International teams. In order to give this dream impetus, the administration of the Pakistan Cricket Board, the franchises of PSL and the government of Pakistan have decided to hold the grand finale of PSL’s 2nd Edition in Lahore. They have invited foreign players in the league and then have asked them to play in Pakistan. This, though, is a great idea, is fraught with its own repercussions. Especially in the wake of recent bomb blasts, the government should have heavily debated the decision of hosting this final match in Lahore. No matter how they argued and reasoned, they answered this question in affirmative.

If there were no threats of terrorist attacks and fear of life for the public at large, there would have been no issue in organizing this match. However, watching the critical security situation, such a decision raises more than just eyebrows in Pakistan. Who is to be blamed if something unfortunate happens? By arranging this final, will the doors of international cricket in fact open to Pakistani cricket fields? Considering the high security level, is it wise to say that Pakistan is a safe place for cricket? Is it sensible to have a cricket match in a curfew? By arranging this final, are we not giving terror spewing groups an opportunity to take their best shot? On the other side, all these security arrangements and constraints are hindering general public’s access to their destinations. Is this really cricket for leisure? What if a terrorist decides to target rather other areas of the city as all the focus is upon Qaddafi Stadium?

Manifesting the aim of the government to revive international cricket in times like the present perhaps does not necessarily entail the PSL final. Previously, many steps were taken, many teams were invited, however, they all refused, including Bangladesh and West Indies. The teams from British Army were also asked, they came, they played and went back, but it did not have any significant impact. The Faysal bank’s T20 cup and many other matches and tournament took place during this period. But nothing helped. Provided the para-military coverage for this match, this action is most likely to go in vain as well.

We have all seen the security plans for the final. Experts state that with this sort of security, one can even have a match in a battle field. Cricket is for public, but public in order to reach the venue will have to walk miles. Ironically, this all can very well translate into the very idea that PCB, PSL management and Government of Pakistan are working very hard to shun, the idea that Pakistan is not a safe place to hold international cricket matches and events. In such gatherings, there is always some chance of mismanagement and if it occurs, terrorists can take advantage of the situation and that would be catastrophic for any international cricket to be played in this country for next decade or two.

The decision looks rash on too many grounds. The government has not only endangered the life of its citizens, but has also tainted the actual spirit of the sport. Using snipers, helicopters, army, rangers, additional security and spending money of taxpayers in such activities at the time where it would be most unwise to do so, brings the decision making of the executive into question. The economy does not allow it; the security does not allow it. The decision is at best questionable and at its least, reckless. It has no defined aim and the purpose assigned to it is highly improbable to be achieved through this strategy. It is very risky and leads one to believe that the state is overlooking the security of its citizens. All participants and spectators are endangered. The state’s decision should have been precautionary and state should have played safe-as much as was possible and abstained from providing such opportunities to those looking to sabotage the peace, the sports and Pakistan’s decades long war against terrorism.