ISLAMABAD - Hats off to Pakistan Army officers and all the staffers who worked day and night to ensure a memorable and successful cricket series held smoothly between Pakistan and British Army cricket teams at Army Cricket ground.
The credit must also be given to British embassy in Islamabad, especially High Commissioner Adam Thomson and his entire staff who remained at the grounds right throughout the four matches.
Last but not the least, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman Zaka Ashraf played a very significant role during the series as he not only remained present at the venue but also arranged a PCB XI exhibition match against British Army XI in a very short notice. The PCB staff worked really hard to hold the match in a befitting manner while the role of security forces at Pindi Stadium can't be ruled out as they performed their duties in the best possible manner.
A total of three matches that including two Twenty20s and one ODI were played at the stadium located in the heart of the city. The roads leading to the ground always witness heavy traffic even on holidays and no one can imagine of closing down these roads and the Pak Army jawans ensured smooth flow of traffic and never closed down the roads even for VVIPs movement.
Despite the threats and warnings from the terrorists for disturbing matches, the Army security was up to the task and handled the situation in a befitting manner, without creating any fuss or trouble for the general public.
Such was the moral of the security personnel as they allowed the schools kids and families of armed forces and players to enter the ground and witness both teams in action.
Talking exclusively to TheNation, British High Commission staffers including some high profile officials were full of praise for the spectators who cheered for both the teams and chanted slogans like ‘Pak Army Zindabad’, ‘British Army Zindabad’.
The successful series sent a very clear message to the entire world that Pakistan is completely safe for all kinds of sporting activities. There is no such fear of security for any sports personalities or individuals and if Army teams could play under no extra security covers then ICC or any other sports governing bodies cannot isolate Pakistan and return of international cricket to this cricket-crazy country.
The ICC must now stop making lame excuses as it has now watched that how peaceful and calm Pakistanis are and deserve respect of their sentiments from the international community. The ICC must take steps to end Pakistan’s isolation and that not possible with the help of world cricket governing body that can compel other boards to tour Pakistan.
Mard-e-Mujahid Official Website
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