Pakistani cricket fans are hurt, feeling impact of terror: Mushtaq

LONDON - The Pakistani cricket fans are hurt and feeling the impact of terrorism, which has forced the home matches to be played on neutral venues, according to former cricketer and England spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed.

Foreign teams refused to play in Pakistan after the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked in Lahore in March 2009, resulting in death of seven people.

“Pakistanis love their cricket and I know how much it will be hurting the team that they can’t play in front of their own fans. The supporters will be equally disappointed that they cannot see their heroes play on home soil,” The Sun quoted Mushtaq, as saying.

“This summer has seen a cricket first, with Pakistan’s home series against Australia played on British soil,” he said.

Pakistan beat Australia at Headingley this summer, but now the cricketing world is fighting back and a campaign called ‘Not In My Game’ has been launched to help bring cricket safely back to Pakistan.

“The ‘Not In My Game’ campaign will give people who love cricket the platform to make their voices heard and stand up to the small minority of people who have placed our game under siege,” he said.

“Playing cricket has always been one of the most important things in my life and I am fighting for Pakistan cricket to be able to go back home, for the peace and stability of the region,” Mushtaq said.

“Many people across the world are united by the love of cricket, irrespective of their faith or background. An atrocity like the one which took place in Lahore has a terrible impact on the game we love. It affects everyone and everything - players, fans and morale,” he added. (ANI)