World Cup woes

The ICC decision is made: Pakistan has lost hosting rights for the 2011 World Cup matches, which will now be distributed between India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The ICC has judged the security situation in Pakistan is not conducive to the hosting of international cricket. Our years of isolation have begun in earnest. Predictably enough, voices within the country have loudly condemned the ICC verdict, insisting it is unfair.

The loss of the most prestigious event in cricket is a huge blow, both in terms of sport and revenue. But perhaps we should accept that, following the attack on the Sri Lankan cricketers earlier this year; such a decision was more or less inevitable. It is true 2011 is still two years away, but clearly the international community is unconvinced there will by then be any major change in the situation in Pakistan. Events that take place beyond the playing fields also have an impact on this perception.

Sadly, Pakistan today is seen as a country that lives under the dark shadow of militancy. It is only when this image changes that we can have any hope of returning to normalcy. The ICC decision will not change. We may say it is unjust, but we have no real choice but to live with its grim consequences.

Your comments are welcome on the ICC decision and now what Pakistan should do to seize it back as quickly as possible!