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The world of cricket will never be the same

All the concerns from Australia, England and other nations proved justified - Pakistan is not a safe place for foreigners, particularly professional sportsmen. Pakistan, such a talented cricket nation, have been out of the Test arena for over a year before this series against Sri Lanka, the one close neighbour who thought they would have no trouble with security. But even that proved too much of gamble this morning as terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team bus as they arrived for the third day of the Test match in Lahore. Thankfully, none of the injuries to the five players hit by gunfire are reported to be serious.

India had its troubles in Mumbai but that was a political attack rather than anything involving sport. Pakistan is now on the outer, I can't see any international matches being played there for a long time. If they are able to 'host' matches in the near future, then Dubai, England or Sharjah are possible venues.

This could be a watershed moment for the ICC. It's time some tough decisions were made regarding security, events, sanctions and then there are the on-field matters such as the controversial referral system. The ICC Champions Trophy, a joke of a 50 overs tournament has been postponed again and again after teams refused to travel to Pakistan. There is no room on the calendar for it. Time to bin it completely and look at scheduling windows for events like the IPL and Twenty20 Champions League so players actually get a break at some stage, and each country can put its best team out more regularly.
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  1. Anonymous4 March 2009 at 21:34

    this attack on Sri Lanka's cricket team was senseless to say the least, nothing but destructive to all parties involved

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