Joyous cricket fans throng Gaddafi despite tight security

KARACHI: It was a rare opportunity for Pakistani fans. For the first time in more than six years, they could witness international cricket taking place on home soil.
And it was hardly surprising when they grabbed it with both hands.
Thousands of fans queued up in front of the Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the first Twenty20 International against Zimbabwe, who are the first Test-playing to nation to visit Pakistan since 2009.
There were exhilarating scenes at a sold-out Gaddafi Stadium for the Friday night’s game.
The fans braved stringent security measures to cheer for both teams in what turned out to be a high-scoring encounter.
In temperatures of 43 degrees, fans were busy taking selfies while the teams were training on the field, then as the action got underway.
President Mamnoon Hussain opened proceedings by shaking hands with both sets of players as the crowd rose to a glittering firework display.
Cast into sporting exile following the 2009 attack, Pakistan have incurred financial losses amounting to $120 million by having to play their “home” games on neutral venues like the UAE, according to an official estimate.
Beyond the finance, Pakistan’s younger crop of players — including established batsmen Umar Akmal, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, all of whom have played 50 or more internationals — have never experienced the inspiring effect of a hometown audience or pitch.
The series, comprising two Twenty20s and three one-dayers, was almost scuppered last week after militants killed 45 minority Shiites in an attack on their bus in Karachi.
But Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) finally gave its green light with a week to go, and since then the two sides have exchanged expressions of mutual brotherhood.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said that the revival of international activity in the country was “a matter of great delight”
Former captain Wasim Akram said: “It’s exciting.”
“Cricket has suffered badly in Pakistan with no international activity, fans were deprived and grounds were left deserted but I am sure with this small step more cricket will come to our country.”
Fans cheered loudly as Pakistan fast bowler Anwar Ali bowled the first delivery to Zimbabwe opening batsman Hamilton Masakadza after visiting captain Elton Chigumbura won the toss and elected to bat.
“Who cares about this hot weather and at how many places I was checked by the security officials, I am just here to see the return of international cricket in my own country,” said fan Waqas Zulfiqar, wearing a Pakistan jersey.
Zimbabwe coach Dav Whatmore, who coached Pakistan until last year, tweeted: “5.5hrs till game time & can’t wait to experience the return of in’tl cricket to Pakistan... Go Zim!”
The teams arrived at the stadium in a fleet of vans carrying armed guards more than two hours before the match. Two helicopters hovered over the stadium.
Pakistan pledged blanket security to the visitors to persuade them to come, with at least 4,000 police and paramilitaries deployed to avoid a repeat of the 2009 attack, which killed six police and a driver.