Not cricket!

FOUR hundred and seventy-five days. That is how long it has been since Karachi last witnessed Test cricket. So when Pakistan took on Sri Lanka in the first Test at the National Stadium last Saturday (21), big things and big crowds were expected.

After all, it was Pakistan’s first Test since December 2007 and the visitors possessedthe twin spin threat of Muttiah Muralitha­ran and Ajantha Mendis.

The first day bore an uncanny resem­blance to the Karachi Test in October 2007 against South Africa – a limited and inex­perienced home bowling attack struggling against a talented and experienced oppo­sition at the crease. But as the day, and the match progres­sed, cheers and applause became scarce. Security officials outnumbered specta­tors. Phone conversations and light naps, often a rare sight at National Stadium, became the order of the day.The days that followed witnessed world and individual records, dubious decisions, dropped catches, elegant stroke­play and even daily prize draws to encourage pub­lic interest. All of them failed, despite the free entry, as the heat and poor facilities at the stadium kept enthusiasts away.

“Watching cricket here [at the National Stadium] is a nightmare,” said Afzaal Khan, a student. “We can understand the security procedures but not be­ing allowed to bring food and drinks inside the stadium can­not be justified.”

The opposition, according to those fans who turned up, was also a deciding factor. Since this series is no comparison to a cross­border duel, it was understandable why the stands re­mained vacant. Even the Sunday bazaar (market) witnesses a greater following, despite it being a repeated affair, perhaps because it has something of interest for all those who visit.

“If it was India playing Pakistan, I would have gladly suffered through the heat, hugely over­priced food, atrocious toilet facilities and the great mission that is en­tering the stand due to the numerous se­curity checks,” said Kamal, who had opted to stay away.

Younis Khan, Pakistan’s captain, touched upon the same issue while blaming the unsporting pitch for the lack of interest. “Test cricket gets boring if we play on such wickets. If we play on such tracks then it’s not a surprise why people are sta­ying away,” he said.

But Khan enjoyed bat­ting on the lifeless pitch, scoring a career­best score of 306 not out (when EE went to press), becoming only the third Paki­stani batsman to make a triple century.

Some supporters blamed the absence of star attractions including Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Yousuf and Mohammad Asif for the low turnout. “It is encouraging to see Pakistan invest in youth and opt to include them in the playing 11,” said supporter Iqbal. “However, these youngsters will not bring the excitement that Sho aib and Af­ridi bring when they are in the middle. So un­less we see some ex­citement on the field, we will be watching the match at home or at work.”

The few who did make the journey said they were mostly unsatisfied. “It has been a waste, a total waste and I will make sure I don’t attend any more cricket if the pitches remain the same,” said frustrated spectator Asma. “To go through all the trouble that I did, and to witness such dull action... I think it is truly shameful on the cricket board’s part and no wonder people are stay­ing away.”

So as the shadows invaded the protected zone on the pitch, I sat there pondering my deci­sion to travel such a long way for my love of crick­et. Maybe the locals were right after all.

© Faras Ghani 2009. Published in Eastern Eye Feb 27, 2009.