Cricket in Pakistan an 'Unacceptable Risk': International Players' Association Warns Zimbabwe
International Cricketers' Association has warned teams to not tour Pakistan just yet as the safety measures are still not adequate. This after Zimbabwe agreed to playing three T20Is and three ODIs in the highly sensitive country.
Zimbabwe may have agreed to send their team for the first international cricket series in Pakistan since 2009 but the international cricketers' association remains skeptical about Pakistan's ability to host international teams. The association has advised Zimbabwe to reconsider the decision.
According to a report in the Associated Press, the Federation of International Cricketers' Association has termed any cricket in Pakistan as an 'unacceptable risk.' Tony Irish, the executive chairman of FICA, is believed to have advised teams not to play in Pakistan as "the security environment cannot be controlled or influenced to an extent that the risk becomes acceptable."
Zimabwe agreed to become the first full ICC member nation to play in Pakistan since the March 3, 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore. Six policemen and a bus driver was killed in the attack close to the Gadaffi stadium.
International boycott since has left Pakistan cricket reeling with stadiums here shut and young talents suffering due to limited exposure to world-class cricket. Pakistan have mostly played their 'home' series in the Gulf venues of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Late last month, the Pakistan Cricket Board had agreed to spend up to USD 5 lakhs to host Zimbabwe and had assured the team of proper safety measures. On April 30, Zimbabwe officially agreed to play two T20Is and three ODIs in Lahore between May 19 and June 1.
"I am grateful to my counterpart in CZ, Wilson Manase, for acceding to our request of sending a full side on a tour to Pakistan," PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan had said in a statement. "
Hosting Zimbabwe is expected to be a major challenge for Pakistan - both on and off the field. While unprecedented security measures are expected to be put into place, the Pakistan cricket team will also have to step up after what has been a highly forgettable tour of Bangladesh. The side lost all the ODIs and the one-off T20I before managing to draw the first Test. (Also read: Rameez Raja wants wholesale revamp of Pakistan team)