The ODI match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka yesterday in Rawalpindi almost did not take place. However, in a show of strong bilateral relations and Pakistan’s resurgence on the global scene, the PCB and Sri Lanka cricket jointly managed to convince a group of Sri Lankan players to remain in Pakistan for the ongoing ODI series between the two countries after they had requested to leave due to security concerns. The concerns emerged in the aftermath of this week’s terror attack in Islamabad. Many will have quickly grasped the parallels between what almost happened here and what took place in 2009, when an attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore led to its departure and the suspension of regular international cricket in Pakistan for almost a decade. The fact that this time things went differently and Sri Lanka has clearly shown confidence in Pakistan’s security arrangement speaks volumes about how far the country has come in the fight against terror. However, the fact that there are still frequent terror attacks in Pakistan, though not as frequent or impactful as before, and some Sri Lankan players needed convincing, shows that the country still has a long way to go before the war on terror is won.
This near-crisis is a vivid illustration of one of the most insidious impacts that terror has had on Pakistan: the ‘pariah-fication’ of the country. Who wants to visit, tour and trade with or invest in a country where the threat of a terrorist attack is always around the corner? Undoubtedly, one of the aims of those who seek to harm Pakistan is to get potential visitors and partners to ask questions like this. Even though terror never has and never will define Pakistan, once a country’s reputation is tarred in this manner, it can be quite hard to repair. Nowhere has the impact of this tactic been more evident than when it comes to cricket. The long absence of the game was all the more painful because of the crucial place cricket occupies in the national soul. Even with the return of international cricket, some areas in Pakistan have still been left out. Until the recent tour of South Africa, Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad had not seen international cricket for 17 years. The packed crowds and enthusiasm that greeted its return showed just how much local fans missed the game. While Pakistanis often balked at the extra security measures and traffic disruptions that now accompany foreign players, the truth is that temporary disruption is far preferable to permanent isolation.
The nation’s sports and security authorities, as well as statesmen, must ensure that the nation is never again subjected to the ignominy of being ostracised due to the actions of a few individuals who seek to undermine its progress out of spite and hatred. The confidence shown by the Sri Lankan cricket team in the country is a sign that these elements are on the right track. But more must be done. There are still those who have a stake in keeping the image of Pakistan as a ‘terrorist country’ alive. India’s pulling out of the ‘security’ card to avoid playing in Pakistan during this year’s ICC Champions Trophy is an example of how this works. The fact that the ICC caved in to India’s demands highlights its growing global influence and the importance of getting domestic security right and building international influence, partnerships and goodwill of our own.