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“Threats before cricket matches and perception about jihadi groups in Pakistan have seriously dented the image of Pakistan as a host. Even now the world sees Pakistan as a country with serious security issues,” say intelligence sources
This was Pakistan’s first global event since 1996. (AP File)
The Champions Trophy has put Pakistan on a sticky wicket. While India’s refusal to play in the country dented its image and economic prospects, Pakistan team’s early exit from the tournament and the security perception are unlikely to give the expected economy boost even for the matches they are hosting, according to intelligence sources.
India’s stance led to their matches being shifted to a neutral venue, Dubai. Pakistan agreed to the hybrid model of hosting on the condition that they will also not send their team to India for upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) events. The arrangement, which saw other teams shuttle in and out of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while India stayed put, showed India’s influence over cricket.
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Cricket latest THE INFRA OVERSPEND & LOSSES
This was Pakistan’s first global event since 1996 and venues in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi were readied with new infrastructure and technology. According to sources, the renovations reportedly ended up costing around $64 million. This figure reflects overspends and additional upgrades made across multiple stadiums, said sources.
“The Gaddafi stadium was renovated in all areas, including pavilion, and seats were increased to 34,000 from 21,000. Similarly, the National Stadium also increased the seats to 30,000 from 28,000, and Rawalpindi to 18,000 from 15,000. Approximately $7-9 million was spent on hospitality and transport,” according to sources close to the Pakistan government.
The shift of matches and India’s refusal came as major loss to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan. The country will reportedly get six million dollars in hosting fees from the ICC. But finances could be hit with the lack of interest in the 50-over tournament after the home team’s early exit.
Three of the matches in Pakistan were hit by bad weather and empty seats at games were noticeable. “The country saw major losses in unutilised infrastructure with escalated cost of renovation,” said intelligence sources.
Cricket latest SECURITY PERCEPTION, LAPSES & INTERNAL FACTORS
India’s denial has reinforced that Pakistan is governed by a third party. The shift to Dubai led to questions over Pakistan’s ability to hold such a tournament. “Not hosting full matches for long will make Pakistan a second-tier cricketing nation. No big academies and foreign investment in games will come due to fear of a high-risk market. This will also put a question mark on future bidding opportunities,” said sources.
Pakistan couldn’t utilise the biggest soft diplomacy power due to in-house factors. “Threats before matches and perception about jihadi groups in Pakistan has seriously dented the image of Pakistan as a host. Even now the world sees Pakistan as a country with serious security issues, despite the deployment of at least 17,000 security personnel, including military and paramilitary forces, for the matches in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi,” said sources.
Reports of a potential kidnapping plot by groups such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State (ISIS or IS), as warned by Pakistan’s Intelligence Bureau, further made the world wary.
“These matches were much needed at a time when Pakistan is struggling with economic and political crises. However, incidents such as pitch invasions during matches, such as at Rawalpindi and Lahore, raised concerns about player safety and organisational capabilities,” said sources.
The PCB faced embarrassment, with reports of over 100 policemen dismissed for refusing duties, indicating logistical and security lapses.
“This suggested that Pakistan struggled to manage such a large-scale event, which may impact its reputation as a competent host,” said sources.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s refusal to accept the hybrid model initially also showed the frustration, and only impacted the fans further amid visa restrictions.
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March 07, 2025, 12:58 IST
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