Cricket sanctions have hurt fans in Pakistan, writes Zainab Shamim Potrick, 23, a Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan, who argues for a return of sportsmanship and international support for the national sport.

The Pakistani nation, surrounded by bomb attacks and mobile snatching, considers cricket as its religion. It gives them hope and happiness in their terrible lives (if the match is won!). At the very least, it grabs people’s attention for some time and they forget everything while sitting in front of the television.

Green Shirts, Pakistan’s national team, is one of the cricketing giants. Its players have given memories to the fans and in return got the right to rule over their hearts.

Pakistanis and Green passports have been labelled by some as the symbol of terrorism. In fact we are the victims, not the terrorists. To blame the country, which is already the target of terrorism, is nothing less than sprinkling salt on a burn. International restrictions make us feel more hopeless. We are often treated rudely, making us feel disrespected or something lower. On the other hand, terrorism increased in the country every time there was a show of support in the war against it.

After the 2009 attack on Sri Lankan team near Gaddafi Stadium, the cricket boards pushed Pakistan to the wall and did not console the nation, which was passing through the most difficult times. The behaviour felt as if the cricket community was waiting for the crisis to close the doors of international cricket in Pakistan. No one else in the world faced the same loss borne by Pakistan as a result of the attack. Then why we were blamed? It seemed a trap to take hosting the World Cup away from Pakistan. Wasn’t it the duty of cricket authorities to give us help in our crucial times when we were facing hatred from all over the world? Wasn’t it unethical of all the cricketing nations to make us feel alone?

But no! We were being neglected like always. At first we lost the hosting rights of a mega event. After that our star players were banned from international cricket due to the spot fixing scandal. Isn’t it possible that they were tricked by haters of Pakistan? And if we come to the recent World Cup, we were forced to survive without two quality spinners. What if the ICC amended the fifteen degree rule after the World Cup so we could be safe from the emergency?

But time has passed. The current tour of Zimbabwe to Pakistan gives the nation a new strength to love cricket. In the scale of humanity, both the cricketing giants and the small teams are equal. Their lives are equally important, so if Zimbabwe have visited here anyone can, including the Big 3! In fact they should be the example for other teams in the promotion of cricket. And surely bringing back cricket in Pakistan is a step towards that goal.

Happiness is unaccountable, and the single tour gave Pakistanis such happiness that would reach the top of Mount Everest if measured. They welcomed Zimbabwe in a new manner, appreciated the team’s play, clapped for them, gave standing ovation to them and even prayed for their success. No doubt Zimbabwe has made a significant space in the hearts of Pakistanis forever.

And now, we are awaiting for all the teams to visit us to play positive cricket and to support portraying a positive Pakistan. Because Pakistan needs cricket. Because Pakistan loves cricket.

photo: http://mrg.bz/6HdSeM

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About me: I have always wanted to become a successful author, analyst or to indulge in anything connected with writing because it is my passion to read and write.

I want to promote good about Pakistan and Islam. It gives me a sense of achievement to have my stories published.

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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?
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