It is exactly a week since the deadly attack by terrorists on the Sri Lankan cricketers who were on their way to the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore for the third day’s play of the second Test. But while the rest of the world is talking one language, of pessimism, the Chairman of the PCB is talking up.
Ejaz Butt, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has told media persons that in his opinion, Pakistan will soon be involved in bilateral series in Pakistan between six to nine months. He stated that while what happened last week could have happened anywhere, he was awaiting confirmation from the government giving assurance for the safety of players before drawing up invitations.
But one would have to think that Butt is either out of his mind or is refusing to look at what happened last week as catastrophic to Pakistan and in fact the entire Indian sub continent.
With radical thoughts by cricketers, present and former, who no longer feel safe travelling to this part of the region, especially Pakistan, it is unlikely that team will undergo such a sea change of thought, not until something radically wonderful happens in Pakistan.
Sri Lanka is already collectively regretting keep up neighbourly accord when India refused to tour Pakistan. Butt is being optimistic in thinking that there will no changes in the 2011 World Cup hosting issues.
After all, Pakistan could not change minds before the Champions Trophy last year and now, effectively it has been taken of their hands. After what happened last week, it is hard to imagine that persuasion tactics will become any easier.
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