Cricket -crushed country convinces teams of security guarantee in the game

Cricket -crushed country convinces teams of security guarantee in the game

In Karachi, fighter jets rose over a fully occupied stadium in southern Pakistan and pulled an impressive trace through the sky with the colors and white the national flag. This heralded the Champions Trophy tournament, which the cricket-crazy neighboring state has longed for since a generation.

a festival of joy for cricket fans

The two teams entered the nation stadium in Karachi, which caused the crowd to be enthusiastic. Pakistan hopes that this tournament will seal its return to the international cricket stage. After years of difficulty, the through Islamist militance The Sri-Lankische Cricket team 2009, shaped, was excluded from international tournaments for a long time.

security measures in Karachi

Now there are big cricket nations such as Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand and South Africa for three weeks in the city and the fans are thrilled. The authorities in Karachi did not accept any risks during the opening game between Pakistan and New Zealand on Wednesday. Snipers were positioned on roofs, while commands and swat teams were used at control points around the extensive port city.

Farah Qadri waited hours under the burning sun to pass the security controls in front of the stadium. She described the "surreal" experience of seeing the opening game of the tournament when the waiting time is absolutely worthwhile. "People from all areas of life gathered, cheered, chant and danced," she reported.

a sign of hope for Pakistan

"The Champions Trophy is a big positive step for the entire country," said Basit Ali, 36 years old, who followed the opening game of a tea business in Peshawar near the Afghan border. "I pray that Pakistan successfully defends his title and brings joy to the nation." Cricket is almost like a second religion in Pakistan, with superstar players on posters and the national team, which, depending on the result, causes great pride or anger.

The last international event that Pakistan was organized was 1996. This means that an entire generation in the country has grown up with around 220 million inhabitants without experiencing the excitement to be hosting the best players in the world.

expectations and challenges

for Farees Shah, a cricket podcast moderator, mixed up and nervousness. "It is like being the biggest party tiger and now after an eternity host of the party. You just want to make sure that everything runs smoothly," he said. In Pakistan, however, events outside the Cricket Square rarely run without problems. The former prime minister and world champion cricket player Imran Khan is sitting in prison for corruption and disclosure of state secrets-an indictment that he calls the plot of his rivals to keep him from a comeback.

critical times for the country

The Economy of the country is struck while the mighty military is integrated into every aspect of life, as critics note. A long-lasting Taliban uprising cost tens of thousands of life, while the authorities also fight with a bloody separatist movement in the southwest resource.

cricket was also affected by violence. In 2009, the Sri Lankas team was attacked by militants during the journey to a game in the northeastern city of Lahore. The attackers injected the team bus with balls when it approached the stadium, eight people killed - including six police officers and two civilians - and injured several players, which caused horror worldwide. Pakistan was then deprived of the rights for the Champions Trophy 2009.

a historical moment for Pakistan

The alignment of the Champions Trophy is a “milestone” for Pakistan, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, told CNN. The tournament offers the opportunity to confirm Pakistan's status as one of the most passionate and influential cricket nations that is able to align multi-national tournaments at the highest level. The authorities do everything they can to make the tournament a success.

The national airline organizes special flights to transport the arrival teams to their games across the country. Each player and official receives the status of a "state gass", according to treatment like a visiting head of the state.

India's absence and the consequences

Since the independence of Great Britain in 1947, India and Pakistan have waged three wars and introduced strict restrictions on the exchange of goods and people, despite their closely interweaving history, culture and their love for cricket. Pakistan India games are considered one of the greatest rivalries in sports and attract mega sponsors and a huge hype.

estimated people have switched on in the final of the last To see Champions Trophy 2017 against India. The number of spectators for the Last Super Bowl , however, were low.

Naqvi, the chairman of the PCB, described India's absence as "loss for spectators, transmitters, media and the tournament itself". "It is also a missed opportunity for the Indian players to experience warmth, love and hospitality that Pakistan has always brought up visitor teams." CNN asked India's cricket association for a comment.

For the cricket fan Basit Ali in Peshawar, the upcoming duel with India will be the highlight of the tournament on Sunday, even if it takes place in Dubai. "The real excitement will come when Pakistan plays against India. I can hardly wait for it!" Farees Shah, the podcast moderator, told CNN that "nothing more important to him than Pakistan Cricket does well" and added: "It is just as important to me that the tournament is smooth."