Pakistan Plays a Series At Home Away From Home

At last,there is some relief as one more series kicks off in style for Pakistan.No matter where and the schedule.But,its only the series what matters.And,its not good for Pakistan cricket to expect too much taking into consideration the scenario in Pakistan.I think that Pakistan has to consider itself too lucky for being the only team that have played a home series away from home.First according to my memory being against Australia in 2002 played at Sharjah and now against the West Indies at Abu Dhabi that is under progress.No other team has so far got this privilege I suppose.

I never thought and never expected Pakistan to play a single test or an one day international, once the Australian Tour to Pakistan was canceled earlier this year and later the ICC Champions Trophy too.Now,its good that the West Indies have understood their plight and decided to give them some relief.Finally Pakistan got its due for the year 2008 with the West Indies making to Pakistan at Abu Dhabi.

Otherwise also,the year 2008 has gone without cricket for Pakistan,with its earlier two tours being against Bangladesh in April and the other being against Zimbabwe in January.Both of them being minnow teams.The matches against these teams gave Pakistan a consecutive 11 one day wins.Now,with two wins against another minnow team in West Indies,the toll has gone up to 13.Considering that Pakistan win the third one day international too against the West Indies,the feat will be extended to 14.The next major even in Pakistan's cricket would be the tour of India in early 2009.But,some hints that even this tour is under threat,citing the same security concerns are on.

Now,even if this tour gets canceled and the same being replaced by some minnow be it Kenya (who replaced South Africa in 2003 Sharjah Cup) or Ireland-two of the most leading one day inspires,there is no doubt that Pakistan could make something out of it by overtaking Australia's unbeaten 21 consecutive winning streak in 2003 (from their win against England in the VB Series 2003 until their one day series against West Indies after the world cup).I wonder how bad the Aussies would feel if this happens which would add fuel to the fire that India ignited by defeating them 2-0in the recent B-G Trophy.Sorry Australia.

Whats Wrong With South Africa?

Well after much drama by Australia and Symonds especially,now,even South Africa has decided to follow suite it looks.How funny?Ha ha ha..I wonder as to whats the issue that continues to haunt these teams from touring Pakistan,when its so called enemy nation in India is least bothered about the security concerns in this so called trouble torn nation?Already,Australia has put off its tour scheduled this year citing the same security concerns.Is it only countries like Australia,South Africa and New Zealand concerned about security and the remaining five teams (excluding Pakistan itself) are least bothered about their security?When fans who are excited to see their heroes are far from being allowed even to take their autographs or photographs,does anyone think that the security issue that is found worrying Australia and co is really justified?

Didn't India and South Africa tour Sri Lanka despite a bomb blast very close to the hotel in which the Indian team lodged?Off course,South Africa did have a problem then too.But,I don't think that things are that horrible that one opts not to take the risk of touring that country.In 2003,South Africa refused to travel Sharjah when U.S forces attacked Iraq,only to be proved to be wrong when Zimbabwe and Kenya who travelled instead of South Africa had no problems absolutely.The same happened when Indian team travelled to Bangladesh in 2005 despite threats especially to Sachin Tendulkar.

I wonder as to which part of the globe is really safe in today's world?There were serial blasts in Jaipur when most of the Australian and South African players were here taking part in the multi million dollar IPL.Some of the Australian and South African players also threatened to pull out.But...?The only manner in which one can support the pull out of nations from Pakistan could be in protest against these inhuman acts by such people,following which such acts could be curbed in future.If this is not the case,I think the issue should not be taken too far.

Though not completely secure,I don't think the situation is so worst.If this is the case,its really interesting and amazing that the ICC is not showing any intrest in shifting the venue despite pull out threats from Pakistan.And how come none of the Indian players nor the BCCI is concerned about the same?I think it would be advisible for teams to stop worrying about security concerns in Pakistan,for such a mega event would be secured to the maximum extent possible.