I have absolutely failed to understand ICC philosophy and I am rather smelling the rat behind this decision of taking the world cup hosting away from Pakistan only, knowing the fact India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka facing the same situation. It would be better if all the countries have “sport’s men spirit” and it would be even better if ICC keeps itself from politics and play fair, but again we have a recipe of disaster in our hand when countries like Australia and India is on the board of ICC, these countries need to get off from their attitude of “Cry Babies” and play the game called “Cricket

i was trying to keep myself away frm this discussion untill i read Asiya Zeban, which date is she living in?? she is trying to compare Benazir's asassination to tht of Mahatma Gandhi,lol..tht tells lot about your knowledge level.And mrs.Indira Gandhi was killed by her own body guard and her son Rajiv Gandhi was killed by LTTE agent. so wht you were trying to compare "mohttarma".Better do gud research next time.

Blaming BCCI or India for this ICC decision is ridiculous. Entire Pakistan state s in a state of denial. Better thing to do would be fight out the battle with the Taliban and end terrorism, stop sponsoring terrorism. And then international cricket and teams would return to pakistan.

how is bcci responsible for this i am stumped at this notion. jingoism never works and unfortunately the coach, the pcb are doing just that.

Let there be peace between the two countries. Pakistani players aren't playing the IPL because the PCB did not allow them to do so.

Well in a way its strange but it has become a habit of late. I read so many comments from pakistan fans blaming BCCI for not allowing Pakistan players in IPL. Well for one, its Indian Premier League and by and large the sentiments amongst Indians are that they don't want pakistan association in Indian things after 26/11. Secondaly, initially it was PCB who didn't give the security clearance to pakistan players for IPL and now they want Pakistan players to be inducted. PCB is a habitually indecisive body and it shouldn't expect the BCCI to be equally indecisive - disallowing one moment and allowing very next moment. Thirdly and more importantly Pakistan has a series against Australia. Why don't they concentrate on that ? It has become a habit for Pakistan/PCB to blame India for everything, yet expect India/BCCI to bail them out everytime they are in crisis. Pakistan needs decisiveness and resolve at this moment to get themselves out of this terrorism crisis . Be it the PCB or the Pakistani government. Denial will not help.

I amazed at some of Pakistani fans who are more bothered about why WC would be played in other countries of India Sub-Continent (and not in Pakistan) rather than breaking the security promise given to SL Team. Lets say we go ahead and WC matched be played in Pakistan. Can you genuinely think and let others know which country would want to play in Pakistan (even after 2 yrs bcos WC event is more prone to attackes bcos of the international media coverage). And in that case all the 14 matches in Pakistan would be eventually fortified and no games will be actually played. Why make "tamasha" of WC and yourself. Please look into internal security and try to implement measures with honesty and sincerity instead of just cribbing and being in self-denial. Regarding no Pakistani players in IPL, that is bcos they have been refused by their own govt and board. Regarding security in India, India did eventually move to SA for IPL bcos of elections instead of being self denial and arguing nonsense

PollyAnna, Unlike the world cup where every country has the right to field a team, IPL is purely a business venture. Once Pakistan refused permission to its players to play in this years' IPL, the IPL teams went ahead and filled their teams with others. Note that they also have a salary limit for their teams as part of the rules of the tournament. Now the tournament is being held in SA, many of the teams are even sending back many team members to India because they dont want to pay for their expenses. The team owners are not going to spend more money than what is profitable. Under these circumstances how do you expect them to take Pakistanis. Further, since it was the Pak government which denied them participation in the first place, shouldn't you be blaming the government? Or, are you like most other Pakistani cricket lovers who are in denial and want to attribute every Pakistani failure to US/India/Israel conspiracies?

A very good article by somebody within Pakistan who is not in denial mode. Unfortunately, hatred of India has become part of the DNA of all Pakistan Governments (civil and military) and this seems to be shared by the majority. It is hard to escape the conclusion that Pakistan is now a rogue state. Like South Africa in the 70s and 80s, Pakistan should be banned from all the International Sport for indulging in State sponsored terrorism. I think Pakistan is getting off lightly (compared to South Africa) as many countries are willing to play sport with them on neutral venues.

I highlight abbas' comments

"Tournaments come and go, but the memory of teror may pervail forever. Keeping in view of (proven) weak security structure of India. i would like to make a recomendation that the no cricketing event comprising of more than 2 teams should be played in india. indians live in false sense of security. keeping in view the indigenous naxalite,kashmiri,dakkan,sikh etc freedom movements working in india. it would be really a good idea for these respected organizations to get thier revenge or a good news coverage atleast. So i would advice all the non indians to increase the awareness about the horrific position of indian stability to the world which it is under constant self denial. ps: india does not ends in mumbai or few cities but their are other "no go" areas."

I am not one for autocratic forum and comment admins, but this is offensive, and i daresay, illegal in some countries. Did he just implore terrorists to attack India?

I find it very funny that most people are blaming India and the BCCI. The Pakistan government said that it cannot send its players to the IPL because India is not safe for its players and hence there are no Pakistan players in the IPL. Second, for the Champions trophy, India was willing to come to Pakistan but countries like New Zeland, Australia and South Africa and the West Indies pulled out of playing in Pakistan. Third, after the Mumbai attacks(caused by Pakistani terrorists and army) India refused to tour and Srilanka did and got attacked in Lahore. The BCCI did its best to support the PCB and it cannot be blamed for the PCB's ills. So quit talking like the PCB is a victim considering how poorly it is managed. Lastly Lalit Modi is a brilliant administrator. Obviously a lot of people are very jealous about how he managed to bring Indian Cricket to such strength because Indian cricketers are really well managed. I hope my comments are posted.

I 100% agree with Kamran Abassi, with today's crystal-ball gazing technology, who cares about waiting for a decision for a Worldcup that is 2 years away. Well done Abbasi sahab, your Indian citizenship is waiting in your mail, please accept it.

I think this article has been extremely well written, I am a Pakistani, but this was bound to happen after what happened to the Sri Lankan cricketers,,,what I fail to understand is, why arent the Pakistani cricketers in the IPL in South Africa...The Indian board doesnt want them playing in the ICL, and they dont select them for the IPL..The Pakistan cricket board needs to sort these matter out,,what else are they meant to do, if not help the livelihood of the cricketers....

And thus the denial continues..... as i read the posts, most of them are about why no cricket should be played in the rest of the subcontinent (read: India) rather than what needs to be done in pakistan. What pakistan should be doing is to revolt against terrorism is ITS OWN LAND and tell ICC, 'look we are safe now, so come back and play here' rather than 'the rest of the subcontinent is as bad as us so come back' or 'dont play anywhere in the subcontinent'. pakistan has its own positives and negatives. same is true with India. BUT THEY ARE NOT COMPARABLE, CERTAINLY NOT THE NEGATIVES.

I think perhaps the ICC is toeing the indian line too much , it wasnt long ago that newsrounds were heard that india wanted Pakistan out of the world cup.Pakistan who gave the world variations as reverse swings and doosra should not play any game that has hindu BCCI as it major decision maker.

Even if we accept that the desicion is correct what has kept the Pakistan players out of IPL?This is sheer ignorance that india is not trying to marginalize Pakistan on every front.Better we keep away and withdraw gracefully from the world cup.We don't need a sport where we gave so much and got nothing in return.The sheer hypocracy and tension of have security assessed again and again and again for some worthless neighbors should at least not bother us if we just stop playing.I certainly wont miss the lows and further lows that cricket has been contributing to our national pride.

Pakistan fans can blame India as much as they want, but the hard fact is that world outside pakistan percieves India and pakistan as 2 entirely different countries. Gone are those days when the 2 countries used to be spoken about in same breath. Today,Pakistan is no match economically, politically or on securitywise to India. Yes we had heartbreaking Taj attack but atleast unlike Pakistan no one in India supports Pakistan. We don't live in a state of denial and we beefed up the security and ensured that no such incidents happen since then. Further, even eminent personalities like imran khan in pakistan openly supports Taliban. Reading comments like these makes me believe that perhaps world is more concerned about pakistan than pakistan itself. Pakistan is still fixated to the thought of comparing itself with India, when the world has already started comparing pakistan with afghanistan.

feel very sorry for the Pakistani cricket fans. genuinely do. but you can't honestly allow the country to host the world cup. for all you who think it was too hasty, the decision has to be made now! have you planned ANY event? let alone a major sporting one! these things take years to organise and such a major change requires as much "heads up" time as possible. i hope pakistan gets to host

This was inevitable and the right decision. Until the unrest formented by the powers that be is tackled, Pakistan cannot host international matches. They should take heed from that and go on and play their cricket all over the world, that will give them immense experience which they lack right now. Go on prove yourself, you'll fall first, then you can beat everyone in their home, just like in Imran Khan's time.

Use this as an opportunity, no point mourning the loss and reasonable people should prevail, there is more money to be made playing outside Pakistan as well at the moment. Build a stronger team on away grounds, everyone would want to play.

I completely agree with Kamran. As Taliban law's are going to rule country sooner or later, I do not expect any improvement in the security. In my opinion, Musharraf's govt. was better than present govt, which is not sure of even its own existence. Poor country. Unless they smoke these taliban and pro taliban communities from Pakistan, future will be more and more dark. It is a pity, but, I am sorry it is a reality.

You are Pakistan and Pakistanis and we are India and Indians. So dont try and fool your "Mothers - in - law". We have never been friends and we will never be. No body is going to cry over it at all. So if PCB has followed BCCI all these years its because of the favors that get granted to PCB. It is for the crumbs that PCB gets to pick up. Power gets filtered down to PCB because of India and they get a little richer because of India. Pakistan did not support India for any love of the country or the people. It had an axe to grind and now things are happening due to developments at home in pakistan and they are paying for their own policies. It has nothing to do with BCCI. For a change,for a start I think Pakistan should accept responsibility for what is happening and get used to it. The way things are continuing there, isolation is just the beginning.

At last some practical thoughts from you, but still you can't help playing to the Pakistani feelings but hinting that others should support pakistan in this. The last country which supported pakistan had to be airlifted from the stadium. So before blaming icc and bcci for everything under the sun, and burning effigies, Pakistan will do better if it cleans it's act internally. And being one of the few enlightened ones in Pakistan of late, kamran will do well if he could channel his compatriots energy and vengeance to the real problems which Pakistan is facing

Spot on and bravo , You have in supporter in me , who will not shed a tear too even not a crock tear is worth to find for this episode. For the time time , asensible decision have been made by that bunch of mindless & rudderless & spineless yoyos. Bravo to you to put the so called national pride aside and call a spade a spade .

On another related issue , I head the joker of the jokers proclaimint to give 5 Zero drubbings to the Kangroos and a day later he himself was pronounced to be doubtfull starter for the 5 odi. Take pitty on us the fans and get this clown once for all out of sights please . He has done enough damage to the game and the Country's reputation than bringing in any fame . Who ever proclaims "he to be the match winner for the pak team , is a fool if the worst kind " .

Kamran, as usual a fine analtyical piece. You have remained objective unlike Intikhab and Zaheer. It is people like you that are going to be of great help in seeing the revival of cricket in Pakistan. Instead of crying foul, cursing others, Pakistan should embark on a programme of playing as many games as possible in away or neutral venues = this to ensure that the current lot of cricketers can play and keep improving. The other is for the Government to tackle the security situation - alas neither the PCB nor the cricketers can do nothing about it. Miran has made some useful suggestions - the PCB can act only on the cricket from. Sorry that the security forces could not have prevented the attack on the Lankan team - but to compare the post Mumbai situation is ridiculous. PCB should have noticed the iron-clad security fiven to the England and done likewise to the SL team - but then they could not prevent the assasination of Benazir, what could the SL team expect. Siva from Singapor

Really surprised to read Mr. Rustum's comments...it seems he is feeling guilty of something!!! Here one should only concentrate on cricket, with reference to World Cup decission by ICC. We feel that shifting Pakistan venue should be implemented on the whole region....if India, srilanka or bangladesh has lessor attack rate, does that justify in taking chances for the actual attack,again? Moreover, in my comment, i mention that the Lhr. situation should be seen in the context of the political situation at that time....Is it intelligent to decide something that is going to be arraged 2 years later??? Very intilligent of Mr. Logart & the rest of indian lobby in ICC!!

Here, if Mr. Rustam is so genious to touch Benazir's death ...i want to answer him that ....No, Benazir was denied the Presidential Security at that time....but what about "Mrs Indra Gandhi & his son....and also Your Main leader Mr. Ghandhi...Bapoo ???

So, remember whenever you speak illogical, we wil respond!!!

I am so relieved by this decision of dropping Pak as the WC venue! Completely agree with EAMiran! All of you who are lamenting the security situation in India and SL should get their heads out of the sand. They are uniquely different; don't draw any parallels based on blind patriotism and move on. Every body is entitled to their opinion but some of these posters should be slapped with a DUI. People like Shafiq Ahmed have no idea what they are talking about. Asiya bibi enough of conspiracy theories! If these theories are gleaned just from this blog alone will be sufficient to fill 400 pages, and don't go after Rustom he is already suffering from Lakda. For all of the patrons of this blog if you require a suitable punching bag let me present you the BUTT. The BCCP chief, an utterly weak man who is completely unsuitable for his job and if the tradition holds true is about to move on and awaits his next big assignment.

A suicide bomber driving a pick-up truck has killed 27 people in an attack at a police checkpoint in north-western Pakistan, police say. Last month a police training academy was attacked. Police and military guys are dying in dozens in Pakistan and not in battle but are targets. Now who is gonna provide security to the Pakistani police and army????? I mean when Pakistani police itself seems to need security itself what kind of security will they provide to visiting teams. Looks like bye bye cricket till 2015 atleast.

I am not surprised by the comments that are made in this blog.For Pakisthani fans, denial, blaming others and anger are just a part of grief and coping mechanism. The quicker you get over it, the better. Pakisthan is fighting for its survival. Cricket is not the most important thing. Human lives, dignity and the rights of minorities and females and eradication of terrorism are much more important. For the fans of other sub continental teams, give your views and suggestions in a sensitive and humane way. There are a lot of people with personality disorders on this blog trying to settle their issues.

pakistan has this problem from long time of comparing with india for every thing. pakistan is a failed state and where as india is and will be a economic super power.come out of self denial and accept the facts.no cricket team in their sand mind ever visit pakistan again until taliban is exterminated from pakistan. it is a cancer spreading very fast and speedy action from pakistan government is paramount for the safety of pakistan people. cricket comes later

we have more pressing things than cricket. Taliban, Balochi movement and not to say economic failure. We just had donor conference (Bheek conference) where we asking for more money.

Fine, so long as the PCB also recognises that the ICC at the same meeting made clear that there is no global ban on selecting ICL players, and that the only people banning the Pakistanis are the PCB.

The only reason for not selecting ICL players was to suck up to the BCCI to keep the World Cup - but it's gone now.

So the PCB needs to pick Nazir, Razzaq and Rana for the World Twenty20 and those three plus Youhana for the tour to Australia - and if it does the team will go from rank outsiders to strong contenders for both assignements!

For goodness sake!! It's about time Pakistan stopped living in denial. Your Board is inept and cannot possibly believe they stood a chance of hosting the World Cup?

These events take planning and cannot be switched al la IPL at the drop of a hat!! Look at how WI got it wrong and they had the full time to build etc for the event!!

Concerning previous posts, Nadeem has it spot on and Shafiq Ahmed is living in some parallel universe, where Zaheer Abbas is actually considered a sane commentator on cricket and the world in general!!

Lets face it, If Pak boycotted tours then it would soon find itself fully isolated and the only people to suffer would be Pak supporters and Players, afterall, we now have Afganistan to offer ODI's to and China won't be far behind!! So shape up or ship out!!

Cheers

For all those questioning the security situation in India,Bangladesh and Srilanka may I ask you which of these nations has a government sanctioned taliban rule in their land. Also I found out that some 1500 attacks happened in pakistan in 2008 alone and not a single terrorist attack happened in India from december of 2008.

I totally agree with Mr. Abbasi as well with comments made by Mr.Osman Samiuddin elsewhere, Pak people should comeout of state of denial and look to address the situation rather than blaming or comparing themselves with neighbours. Difference between security threat in India and Pakistan is that in India it is people from outside who are the perpetrators whilt in Pakistan it is homegrown.

I think the analysis by Mr Abbasi was spot on. For those who are comparing situation in Pakistan with India and SL, think of this. India and SL are victims of terrorism but when either of the Govts agree to provide security for a event they do a decent job of it. When Indian govt had doubts about its ability to offer security to IPL, they let the game be shifted. As inefficient as Indian Govt may be in many arenas they are still lot more credible than the govt in Pakistan.

To all those clubbing situation in pakistan to that in India

1. Mumbai terror attack was planned and carried out by pakistani nationals - a fact ultimately admitted even by Pak govt. It's not as if home-grown terrorists are blowing apart India. And by the way none of the terrorists who attacked SL team have even been captured till now.

2. Pakistan itself has admitted defeat against the terrorists & Taliban. Sharia law has been legalized in Swat valley & NWFP by pakistani govt! You know what now Taliban and Sharia law are just 100 kms away from Islamabad. If the govt itself has conceded defeat to Taleban what do you expect from "international community"?

The fact is Pakistan is as different from India as Mexico is from US - both in the same region but headed in different directions. Pakistan is well on its way to become a failed state surviving on charity from IMF & international community whereas India is headed to become an economic superpower.

SL was promised Presidential security and look what happened. If thats Pakistani presidential security then 1)God save the president 2) The concept of presidential security is first thnig to be learnt from other countries before any trust on security assurances can be believed. By the way did Benzair Bhutto have presidential security too????? Ooops

I Think main problem is ICC Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, Responsible for the anti-Pakistan stance adopted by the cricket world. It seems that Lorgat has been give an assignment to destroy Pakistand criket.

Of course , Security in India and SL is a lot better. Except 26/11 only 2 bomb incidents took place in India in 2008. And none yet in 2009. In Pakistan 2 bombings and 1 shootut has taken place on an average per week. Anybody who is trying to compare these 2 scenarios and feelingthat both countries are on par in terms of security is a state of denial due to blind patritoism. SL on other hand just almost 80% destroyed LTTE in an military offensive. The effort of security agencies in these 2 countries looks genuine. On other hand in Lahore attack we saw Terroist roam around casually and also a police car go past them and probably the police in the car also said "hi, good work" to the terrorists. USA has predicted in a military journal that Pakistan will collapse in 6-18 months if current scenario continues. How can you even feel that scenario in Pakistan is similar to India ,SL where violence is not even 5% of what it is Pakistan.Stop living in selfdenial & work genuinely to erode terror.

The article is an accurate reflection of the circumstances. The number thing that everyone must remember: we promised presidential security, sri lankan players were shot at, no one was arrested, no one resigned, no inquiry results released. That and only that has sealed Pakistan's fate. Stop looking for solace by comparison with India....its a poor excuse for amnesia. Lest we forget I will repeat: We lost the World Cup host status because our government and our board did not fullfil their obligations to protect Sri Lanka....thats it.

Did icc or bcci paid u off bro why u writing this

Tournaments come and go, but the memory of teror may pervail forever. Keeping in view of (proven) weak security structure of India. i would like to make a recomendation that the no cricketing event comprising of more than 2 teams should be played in india. indians live in false sense of security. keeping in view the indigenous naxalite,kashmiri,dakkan,sikh etc freedom movements working in india. it would be really a good idea for these respected organizations to get thier revenge or a good news coverage atleast. So i would advice all the non indians to increase the awareness about the horrific position of indian stability to the world which it is under constant self denial. ps: india does not ends in mumbai or few cities but their are other "no go" areas.

I am really amazed by Mr. Rustom's comments. He referred to Pakistan's Sharjah history but forgot why BCCI withdrew it's role there....Haar kay daar say" (Sharjah...Haar Ja)!!! India however tried the similar format in UAE.....(sahara venture)....can Mr. Rustom Lakdawala comment on that's fate too?? We know that "Srilankan Attack" was a conspricy, against Pakistan & it's cricket. Here, I also acknowledge the weak political addmin. in lhr. at that point of time, that made it easy for the culprits!! Who were already disappointed by srilankan's brave decission to visit Pakistan, (when they refused..."point to ponder!!!") However, i feel that it is the right time for ICC to clarify and justify its stand on the security situation in India, Srilanka & Bangladesh...Only then we pakistani cricket lover's will feel that the decision was on merits & not on the basis of indian lobby within the ICC....Otherwise, the Pakistani govt. should challenge this decission in Int. Court of Justice...

Even though some of us could see it coming, the decision to move the WC matches out of Pakistan has left many fans devastated.

The ONLY thing that PCB can do now is to improve coaching and hire educated professionals to run the Board. Unless there is professionalism in the running of the PCB and the team starts performing well, Pakistan cricket will dig deeper and deeper into this mess.

Mr Abbasi, although I agree that a viable domestic structure is important, yesterday Moin Khan said that without international cricket in Pakistan, cricket will just perish in the country.

Reading some of the posts here I wonder when will these guys realize that the "enemy" is not ICC or India.It is Taliban.Why don't the people of Pak get rid of Taliban once and for all.The world will help you only if you demonstrate that you CHOOSE to help yourselves.And please get over this denial mentality of "Ind,SL,Ban are also equally unsafe".The fact, my dear friends, is that none of these countries allow a Taliban-like organization to control their lives.Lets face the reality..in your zeal to fight India in any which way possible your ISI made these terrorists and now this snake is grown so big that it is eating up its own master and yet the master remains in denial.Come on guys wake up now at least else by the end of the year Pakistan may be officially declared as a 'failed state'

All PAK fans are complaining abt security situation in India/SL. Do they think that the concerns are valid? People talk abt Mumbai blast - well it is sad event, but PAK govt agreed that plots were planned in PAK soil? So it looks like, they will enter a country, perform act of terrorism, and expect the world to make that country feel unsafe. Good try, you will never succeed. This sort of comparing and poitning fingers will only hurt PAK even more. Moving to CW to AUS/NZ or SA is a very valid, but BCCI will never let that happen, if ICC decides to go for it, they can kiss good bye to their revenue. At the end of the day you need money which is provided by BCCI. Nothing wrong in that. ECB had strong hold in ICC for year and so they had FTP according them and their buddies. It is now time for BCCI to dictate terms.. Live with it.

Yes I agree that Pakistan isn't a hostile environment for holding such global events. People have always been raising eyebrows but the March atrocities have firmly demonstrated those above implications. It’s a nation simply in social turmoil and the centre face of terrorist threats.

Although I feel for the patriotic fans to lose out on such an opportunity, the governing bodies had to give security and safety of player’s and fans priority and therefore I agree with the article’s viewpoint.

Minor correction - Point#6 incorrectly refers to Point#4 when it should have referred to Point#5.

i agree 100 % . this was bound to happen. For one, Pakistan's situation is volatile. Let the World Cup be in Pakistan and if God forbid another incident happens then what? This is not about personal vendettas or justice. This is about the truth.I, even as citizen of Pakistan do not feel safe roaming the bazars and markets of Pakistan because of not knowing when a suicide bomber decides to Play God. Do we really eXpect outsiders to support us. Time for us to wake up people. Our country is unsafe, more so than others. NO matter whose fault it is. Time to acknowledge realities instead of pointing meaningless fingers at the West and other sub-continental teams. Peace.

I totally disagree with the comments of Mr. Kamran Abbasi. If the ICC's decision has been taken in light of the security arrangements, what about India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh... Do you think the security in these nations is better than Pakistan. It basically shows how unprofessional and incompetent the officials of the PCB are that they're unable to even argue. It would be a major set back for Pakistan cricket and as Zaheer Abbas rightly said Pakistan should show resistance to this decision through boycotting some of the FTP tours. Pakistan team is integral for any world event and ICC would have to rethink that taking this decision at a premature stage is not appropriate

Yes Kamran you are 100% spot on. We all knew that the sad announcement is about to be made and yesterday it was made official. Now that we know that none of the other cricketing boards are not going to help us(except Sri Lanka)we should concentrate on other important issues. Yonus Khan has to be given every ounce of support by the management as well as the public. it is now time to do almost every in in every sector of our beloved Country Pakistan on an emergency basis. Domestic cricket has to be made attractive for younger viewers. I have many people to criticize for our current state of affairs but this is not the time to do so. let us look forward and hope that normalcy returns back to Pakistani Cricket.

Unfortunately for Pakistan, a sensible decision was finally delivered by the ICC (miracles do happen). Here are some suggested actions for the PCB (and some ex-cricketers)to follow: 1. Stop crying and --- 2. Organize an immediate evaluation of the FTP, with an emphasis on all formats of the game not just the Mickey Mouse variety. 3. Understand that while shorter formats of the game may justify playing in the UAE, test cricket cannot and must not be played in the same venue. 4. Realize that there will be no "home" games (no - Dubai is not home; ask Asif)for the next few years, just "away" games. 5. Realize that the wannabe Big Brother to the East might be Big but isn't much of a brother when it matters. 6. Corollary to point 4 - flip the bird and welcome back all ICL affiliated players. 7. Prepare sporting tracks in Pakistan for domestic matches. Lots and lots of time to get it right - no excuses. 7. Refrain from playing meaningless games with Zim., Bangla., and Afghanistan.

Hi: I have been chomping at the bits to see the real mettle of the Pak Team. Finally they get to play a real team. I hope they keep their heads down and focus on what is important-beating Aussies will get there mojo back-even if the Aussies are playing half strength.

I would like to use this as an opportunity to figure out how can we get the matches in the US. I have heard that Zee sports has stopped showing any Pakistani cricket since the Bombay happening.

I do have a few off beat prayers-

- May the people who are selling the soul of cricket for profiteering or to spread their terrorist agenda-both suffer the wrath of cricket God -May Pak wins 5-0. -May IPL reduces to a terrible economic failure

All the best to those who love the game

Hi: I have been chomping at the bits to see the real mettle of the Pak Team. Finally they get to play a real team. I hope they keep their heads down and focus on what is important-beating Aussies will get there mojo back-even if the Aussies are playing half strength.

I would like to use this as an opportunity to figure out how can we get the matches in the US. I have heard that Zee sports has stopped showing any Pakistani cricket since the Bombay happening.

I do have a few off beat prayers-

- May the people who are selling the soul of cricket for profiteering or to spread their terrorist agenda-both suffer the wrath of cricket God -May Pak wins 5-0. -May IPL reduces to a terrible economic failure

All the best to those who love the game

Nice comments. Would Mr. Kamran like the comments about security situation in India,Bangladesh and SriLanka. If security is reason for no cricket in Pakistan then I humbly request to apply the same on whole sub continent. IPL shifted to SA coz of security, BD declines Pak series coz of security and no. of team declined to play in SriLanks in 1996 world cup Pls be fair with game and people.

Blaming the Pak Govt or PCB is not going to get you anywhere.The reason why a team like Lanka was willing to tour Pak was b/c they had been repeatedly assured dat cricketers & athletes would never be targeted(according to the dubious and ridiculous logic of ppl like Imran Khan)...Police Stations and various security forces in Pak have repeatedly been attacked which proves that if the terrorists want to attack something than they will do so regardless of the security situation.Osman Samiuddin has written a much better article recently on the WC Loss and he wrote,"the fires within threaten to take everything down with it, cricket being just one relatively insignificant victim" Saving Pak cricket is not the utmost priority at the moment.Getting rid of terrorism and extremism should be the main priority.THIS is the reason for your isolation and misery..everything else is irrelevant & unless this problem is taken care of and until then Pakistan will remain in isolation.

After the Lahore attacks, it was understood Pakistan wouldnt be hosting any matches in the near future. but at this time i think there is a more pressing problem for Pakistan than hosting cricket matches - that of the Taliban spreading like insects across our nation. If this virus continues to grow, cricket will only be the least of our worries, our moderate way of living will be affected. I am from Peshawer, and unlike most peoples assumptions, Peshawer is a vibrant city. There is a brilliant mix of culture and tradition with modernization. We Pakistanis need to unite and stop these Taliban from ruining our nation. Its sad our leaders are doing nothing to stop the Taliban without understanding the problems they are creating for the country. Cricket can always be played in other venues. Long Live Pakistan.

OK Pakistan is not safe but what makes ICC think that India or Sri Lanka are safe? Is ICC waiting on something that happened in TAJ hotel to happen in a cricket groud? THEN ICC will wake up? World Cup in 2011 should have been played in Australia and Newzealand, and ICC needs to stop playing music chair with the feelings and emotions of the cricket lovers in Pakistan. Does that mean Asian bloc need to raise there hand then World Cup can happen in Pakistan but if they don't raise there hand then no world cup in Pakistan? STOP IT MODI.

Okay Kamran, please spell out the help you want for Pak cricket from international communities.

As I see it, there is nothing else that anyone can do, except play Pakistan at neutral venues.

A die hard Pakistani fan may complain the decision was a hasty one but one must admit that Pakistan’s situation has been deteriorating by the second and the preparations to be held out by the ICC are losing time. Thus the decision had to be reinforced, especially after President Obama declared a legislation to invade Pakistan.

And maybe this is yet another bitter fact for the Pakistani fans, enduring the situation which makes them feel like outcasts while they sit and gaze at televisions showcasing global cricket. These are times in which they find themselves vulnerable and helpless, swallowing the sour pain of instability by force.

I think Mr.Abbasi has analysed the situation better than many in Pak. Everyone wants cricket with Pak. Its not that, Pak is being isolated by ICC or any other board. How will ICC approve a tour in Pak after wat happened in Lahore? It will be suicidal for the governing body. Statements will fly stating ICC is gambling with the life of cricketers. Leading players will opt out and a team B will be sent to play by the touring board. So, its better to concentrate on the job at hand. Strenghten the team, which is more important. Pak is no longer a team with past batting prowess which could destroy any bowling lineup nor have bowlers who can bundle out the opposition in 35 overs. So strengthen the team, wait for oppurtunity, pounce on it with vigour. Only thing i can say now is, ALL THE BEST TO PAKISTAN. HOPE AND PRAY FOR INTERNATIONAL CRICKET TO COMMENCE IN PAK ASAP.

It is very sad not to see international players playing in Pakistan for a while. But cricket will not die in Pakistan. We can still watch and cheer for our heroes on our TV screens. PCB deserve the treatment they are getting. Security level provided to Lankans were below par. Now PCB's priority is to find and groom new talent. If we failed to find new talent, then people will loose interest and cricket in Pakistan will die. Same thing happend to our Hockey and Squash infrastructure.

Hoping for the best.

If cricketers are no longer immune from terror attacks, how much safer will they be in India, SriLanka and Bangladesh than they would have been in Pakistan?

It was correct and inevitable that Pakistan would be dropped as host (though may be not this soon), but do not be surprised if the WC is taken away from the sub-continent as a whole.

I am glad that saner heads still prevail in Pakistan instead of everyone being in denial about the security situation over there. Its ridiculous to to know about a few cricketers who instead of trying to concentrate on improving the internal matters in the country are blaming India to have manipulated the ICC decision. Its as if the ICC was going to hold a world cup in a country where Australia, New Zealand, England, India and others were not willing to go. Did these players really expected a world cup to be held without these countries? Anyway, that aside, I must admit frankly that I am disappointed with you, Mr. Abbasi. In all your previous blogs, I have noticed you allowing a bit more jingoistic comments from your country but at the same time have severely curtailed comments from other countries. I have an inkling this comment won't see the daylight too. Oh well, had nothing better to do with my two minutes anyway.

IPL hosted in Sa is gonna be success story as Modi is brilliant businessman with personality to make loss making ventures into profitable ones. PCB on other hand has proven again and again its a bumble thrift organization full of big mouths who speak before they think. Even Sharjahfor that matter was a success as long as India participated in tournaments. The moment BCCI pulled its hands out, we all know what happened . Pakistan is in mess and so is PCB and eventually unless BCCI and ICC help nothnig gonna happen. Question is what would ICC or BCCI gain? Why would it put its hand loss making venture;), I would not and I am considered a decent successful businessman.