Time for international sports to return to Pakistan

KARACHI: They came, they showcased their talent, and they won the heart of Pakistanis.

Who would have thought that twice-FIFA World Player of the Year, Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup winner from Brazil, the great Ronaldinho, would be playing in front of a frenzied Pakistani crowd in Karachi and Lahore?

Who would have imagined, even in their wildest dreams, that they would one day see one of the greatest Manchester United players, Ryan Giggs, in Pakistani grounds?

Who would have thought of seeing French star Nicolas Anelka and English goal-keeper David James play alongside Pakistani footballers on Pakistani pitches?

But, it all happened, and happened successfully.

When I first reported on March 12 earlier this year that Ronaldinho was coming to Pakistan and won’t be visiting alone, many said that my report would bounce back and no one was going to come. There was a time when even I was doubtful if the event would ever take place.

Bringing top footballers from around the world to Pakistan was never an easy task for the organisers –Leisure Leagues – and they managed it only after getting security assurance from Pakistan Army.

The event, dubbed ‘Ronaldinho and Friends’, has immensely helped Pakistan’s case and struggle in restoring international sports activities in the country.

Pakistan has managed to showcase to the world that it is fully capable of providing top security to visiting athletes, first during the final of the Pakistan Super League in Lahore earlier this year and now with the ‘Ronaldinho and Friends’ football event in Karachi and Lahore.

The wrestling event organised by PWE not too long ago has also played a role in helping Pakistan send a positive message to the outside world.

Security at the final of PSL in Lahore and ‘Ronaldinho and Friends’ event was handled by Pakistan Army, and the visiting athletes felt comfortable with all the arrangements made for their safety and security.

Pakistan is safe, a good country to visit: Ryan Giggs

Giggs said that the foreign players are very happy to receive the hospitality of Pakistani people

Having covered both the events, I witnessed that the security was smooth and arrangements were made to ensure that the fans do not come across any problems due to vigilance.

An ICC World XI is also scheduled to visit Pakistan later this year – another feat which was only made possible after Pakistan’s security agencies showcased the top-level security arrangements during the PSL. The visit of World XI should open the doors for international cricket teams in Pakistan.

Pakistan now has a very strong case: it has shown the world through successful sporting events that it is capable of providing the best security to the stars visiting the country.

It is high time for sports bodies and athletes around the world to change their perception about security situation in Pakistan and start visiting the country to put an end to the drought suffered by the sports-loving nation for years.