March 3: Cricket's Day of Tragedy

March 3rd was a tragic day for everyone close to cricket. The most fanatical of Pakistan fans are now weeping what is surely the demise of international cricket being played in their country for some time, while worldwide cricket fanatics, myself included, mourn the fact that not even a sporting team can escape from religious fanaticism.

Sadly there were lives lost. Five members of the security team, the driver of the umpire’s car, and two bystanders were killed. Fortunately none of the Sri Lankan players, the primary target of these terrorists, were killed, although both Thilan Samaweera and Tharanga Paranavitana
were hit by stray bullets.

The repercussions from this will affect cricket on a global scale as they now realise what these cretins, misguided in their religious devotion, will do to get their messages heard.

No international team will go to Pakistan anymore. The writing looked on the wall when teams such as Australia and England were refusing to tour there, blaming the political upheaval. It looked even further doubtful following the Mumbai terror attacks, when India refused to tour the country.

Any hope of the average Pakistan citizen, most of whom worship cricket, seeing international teams compete against their nation on their home turf is now long gone.

That’s part of the tragedy. Pakistan will now be totally isolated from the rest of the cricket world, with its fans forced to watch their team play in neutral venues if they are to keep playing top level cricket. No longer can their fans see the likes of a Jayawadene, Ponting, Pietersen, Tendulkar, or Graeme Smith touring.

I am so glad the Sri Lankan players are safe. If there is any good news we can take out of this tragedy, it is that we have players of the calibre of Samaweera, Sangakarra and Mendis still able to entertain the masses.

We have witnessed one of the most, if not the most, devastating events in cricket history. If the game of cricket can recover from this, it will go on forever.