As Pakistan prepares to host a major ICC tournament for the first time since 1996, we can say, “Thanks to Zimbabwe, international cricket is back in Pakistan.”
The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan, giving the home team the advantage of defending their title after winning the most recent edition held in England and Wales in 2017.
However, the return of international cricket to Pakistan was made possible by a bold move from Zimbabwe Cricket. It was Zimbabwe that played a significant role in paving the way for international cricket to resume in the country.
Ten years ago, Zimbabwe demonstrated to the world that Pakistan was safe for international cricket. Their tour in 2015 marked the first visit by a Full Member nation since gunmen attacked the Sri Lankan men’s team’s bus in Lahore in 2009, which had effectively halted teams from touring Pakistan.
“I was both excited and a bit afraid to tour after hearing the stories about what happened to the Sri Lankan team,” recalled Roy Kaia, the youngest member of the Zimbabwe squad at the time. “However, to be honest, the Pakistan officials and security personnel took great care of us.” Kaia’s ODI debut ended in a no-result due to a sandstorm during the third match of the series.
Chamu Chibhabha also echoed the same message saying “we got presidential security and the hospitality was amazing”.
Wicketkeeper Richmond Mutumbami believes that the tour of Pakistan will always hold special significance due to its impact beyond cricket.
“As a player going there, knowing the country’s history, it took a great deal of courage and character,” he explained. “Your sixth sense will always be aware of potential dangers, yet you must also focus on the task at hand. At the end of the day, it was a great experience nonetheless.”
“They made us feel so welcomed, comfortable, and safe. The people were great, and the most astonishing thing was witnessing the smiles we brought back to a whole nation and how grateful they were for the chance to see their heroes in action.”
“To me, that was the greatest aspect of that tour, and it’s a memory that will stay with me forever.”
