I never thought I would see the day when cricketers would return in the arms of their families as soldiers often do after a protracted battle on the front. But, sadly, this is what I saw today when the Sri Lankan team returned home from Lahore.
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 the 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 It has now been replaced by the gnawing feeling that it's cricket which is now fighting for survival.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, 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 will now be asked.
The next big issue confronting cricket in the sub-continent is on hand. The Indian Premier League is just a few weeks away. Auctions, transfers and security issues were being put in place. Now they will be up for review.
Foreign cricketers, in particular, will be questioning if the enormous sums of money on offer could replace the anxiety of family and sanguine advice of their managers. Such issues invite herd-like reactions from human beings. Cricketers are no different.
A few walk-outs, I fear, could open the 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 will 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 faces 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.
PTI
