The Return of Test Cricket


Today Test Cricket returns to Pakistan after a gap of 10 years. I still remember the fateful day of 3rd March 2009, when the Sri Lankan Cricket team bus was attacked in Lahore by terrorists. Thankfully, the lives of all cricketers were saved by the heroics of our police and the bus driver. But six policemen and two civilians lost their lives in that attack.

That marked the end of international cricket in Pakistan, as all teams refused to come here because of security concerns. We had to play all our home matches in UAE. A cricket crazy nation of 200 million people was deprived of seeing its own stars in action for 10 years. 

But today, the Sri Lankan team is back in action in Pakistan. They are playing the first test match in Pakistan in 10 year, that too in my hometown Rawalpindi. 

Today marks a new chapter in the history of Pakistan cricket. We are moving ever closer towards peace and a normal life. And I am really happy Alhumdulillah.