| Font Size |
It was around half past nine on Tuesday morning when I received a call from the (Sri Lankan) Prime Minister about the terrible incident unfolding in Lahore. For the next four hours, we were on open lines with the Pakistan authorities and our embassy in Islamabad.
We feared worst which thankfully was not the case. It has now been replaced by the gnawing feeling that it's cricket which is now fighting for its survival.
I, as a former cricketer and Board official, have often been confronted by the security issue in Pakistan. Last year, as President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), I took the call for the Asia Cup to be held in Pakistan. It wasn't an easy decision but the assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in consultation with the government, were comforting.
I personally went over and was delighted to see top-class security arrangements. The Asia Cup passed off without a hiccup. The players were happy too. I am not sure how the security issue between the Sri Lankan board and its Pakistan counterparts was handled this time around. A lot of uncomfortable questions would now be asked.
The next big issue confronting cricket in the sub-continent is on hand. Indian Premier League (IPL) is just a few weeks away. Auctions, transfers and security issues were being put in place. Now they would be up for review.
Foreign cricketers, in particular, would be questioning if the enormous sum of money on offer could replace the anxiety of family and sanguine advice of their managers. Such issues invite a herd-like reaction from human beings. Cricketers are no different.
A few walkouts, I fear, could open floodgates. And before you realise, the wheels of cricket would come to a stop. The Indian cricket Board and their government must present a unified, determined stance to the world.
Their intent and urgency is the key. Any dithering would only add to the insecurity of the visiting cricketers.
The issue is still hot. I hope it would cool down in the next few days. Cricketers and administrators can then think and decide with a clear mind. Cricket, especially in the sub-continent, can't afford to take another hit.
But then, is this only the responsibility of the sub-continent's cricket Boards and the governments to clear the mess? The issue might be at our doorsteps but the danger is no less alive for the rest of the world. Everyone needs to join hands to tackle terrorism.
It ought to be crushed with a heavy hand. We have actually seen a helicopter on a cricket pitch. It's symbolic of the gravest threat that has endangered the game we all love.
In the last few hours, I have watched the return of Mahela Jayawardene and his boys to the homeland.
Looking at the anxiety, tears and relief on the face of their families was overpowering. Cricket and war is now being talked in the same breadth. It's a sinking feeling, but we must rise together and take on this menace which confronts our game.
(Sourced by Press Trust of India)
Discuss this story on expressindia forums
|
|
arjuna ; u were very compelling with bcci and u thought of compelling the board memebers in srilanka of weeding out the thematches to be held in srilanka with indian team. i was a FAN of yrs but u hv hit the nail by just wandering off with undue comments on bcci management / india team. u seem to be agood player ogf good ethics but lately u hv grown grey . yr board is not having much revenue but still bcci showed aBIG HEART and play with the asian tigers. I hope u will top thinking about IPL now and pls request u to not write or give any comments with out thinking. let aravinda dsilva speak also.....U HAVE NO RIGHT TO THINK ABOUT IPL IF U THINK IPL is not OK ....GO TO SLEEP THATS BETTER to relax yr greying white locks . pls again send your tea to pakistan and play again..yr absurd thinking !
it looks like that the attackers are betting syndicate who had invested lot of money backing pakistan team .
As the person instrumental in taking this fool hardy decision , I think that in all fairness Arjuna should own moral responsibility and resign. One cannot think of any reason why Sri Lanka should have tried with such indecent haste to replace India when the latter called off its cricket tour in the wake of 26/11 incident. I am really glad that no SriLankan cricketeer lost hos life
Dear Ranatunga, pls take care of Srilankan cricket first and then worry abt IPL. If you are worried abt somthing happening in india, do not come to India and stay at home, or can go to Pakistan for another tour.
Its Arjuna...you should take complete responsibility for decision for this trip. U had problem with BCCI and just to show them ur upper hand u had decided sent the team to pakistan. Here i am talking about what problem u have with BCCI, but u can not put players life at stake. Even though it was later reviewd by president, intially decision was taken by u.
Arjuna, you thought you will belittle the Indians by sending your tem to Pak. Your stupidity almost caused the lifes of ur great cricketeiers.People like you should first apologise to ur players and then India for risking innocent lives. pak is a failed country.
Arjuna, on what basis that you have decided to send the Srilankan team to Paksitan? Do you thin that you know than Indian government?? Thank GOD that no Srilankan cricketer had died in the terror attack. Still, you must take full RESPONSIBILITY for this situation. Because, you've become politician and no longer a cricketer. Keep your politics in Politics. Do not poke it in Cricket. It is a lesson for you. Learn from it.
wen england toured india ..i m also of same opinion..how much we can protect a single individual...its impossible...its as a story..if a terroist comes with a small rivolver ..is it possible to trace him in hotel or near the hotel..wer there is lot of buzz is there...and one bullet...whole thigng will change..and it will be a biggest desaster in sports....so in my opinion IPL must be postponed...oterh wise its danger to our nation in respect of other economy...and terorist definetly try to bring india bad name @ any cost..so its better for us to avoid..and try to hunt terror on theri base..
Hey Arjuna, You are responsible for puting their lives in danger. What was the need for knee jerk reaction from you to agree to go to Pak tour ? You are culpable for this tragedy.