The less said, the better

I am not a big fan of conspiracy theories, but having witnessed what has been going on in Pakistan during the last two weeks or so, have opened up flood gates of theories, particularly in social media. Speculations are abound as to the reasons for the sudden surge in suicide and bomb attacks all over Pakistan? As I write these lines, there have been multiple bomb attacks in Charsadda and one in Quetta. A country which was rejoicing the military response to the carnage that took place last week, is now again searching for answers, and so am I! Media is of no use; with the dearth of investigative reporting in Pakistani media, all that our media offer us is useless analysis, coverage of the blast scenes, interviews of eyewitnesses, and emotional ‘coverage’ of survivors, and in the end the perfunctory visits by dignitaries. The day ends with silly talk shows and of course Pakistan Super League fixture. The happenings of today are simply forgotten and the media rises with talk show with lame hostesses discussing how to remove warts and wrinkles.

Like conspiracy theories, I don’t believe in coincidences as well. But ever since I read about today’s blasts, suddenly I had this strong urge to connect the dots and see if any of this makes sense. Let us first talk about the blasts in Lahore, Mohmand Agency, Awaran, Quetta and Sehwan. Prior to those attacks, things were relatively peaceful. Karachi Food Festival and Karachi Literature Festival were huge successes. So what triggered this horrific chain of events which left hundreds dead and wounded? Does PSL have anything to do with it? Maybe, maybe not! But one thing is certain, on February 13th, Najam Sethi announced that the final of PSL will be held in Lahore on March 5th. Between 13th and 16th of February, eight major incidents took place in Pakistan. A day after Lahore blast, foreign players and coaches participating in PSL refused to play in Lahore if PSL final was to be held there. The incidents following Lahore blast were supposed to be last nail in the coffin, so to speak, and pragmatism started to set in vis-à-vis holding the final in Lahore.

Pakistan Cricket Board undertook an informal survey to assess if Pakistani people would be receptive to watch the final without foreign players. The response was encouraging, so PCB decided to stick with plan. But behind the door efforts were underway to convince foreign players to come to Lahore. Financial incentives and watertight assurances were offered. These efforts finally paid off and on February 20th, the franchise owners as well as a dozen or more players and official, including Sir Vivian Richards announced that they are willing to travel to Lahore to play the final. Pakistani nation had something to cheer about after a week of mourning! I guess these announcements meant that the terrorists and their handlers, and we all know who they are, have failed to instill the requisite fear. Despite, being pounded heavily by Pakistan Army and Air Force, the enemy remained undeterred. Less than twenty-four hours after the announcement, they struck again! Like I said, I do not endorse to conspiracy theories, but given the above, one can draw their own conclusions.

It has been said more than often than not that our adversary has been trying to isolate Pakistan in grand scheme of things internationally, including sports. They did manage to achieve their objective as far cricket was concerned. Attack on Sir Lankan team in Lahore, ensured demise of international cricket in Pakistan. Then Pakistan Cricket Board was duped in agreeing to the International Cricket Council ‘Big Three’ formula, thus depriving Pakistan of its share of ICC revenues. A ‘magnanimous’ offer in the form of five-year bilateral series agreement was made (with no intention of honoring it) which would offset any loss of revenue if Pakistan would agree to Big Three regime. Things went according to plan, Pakistan had to play its home games at venues in UAE which meant higher costs and loss of revenues. But then Pakistan bounced back, just like it has in the diplomatic arena. Zimbabwe agreed to tour Pakistan in 2015 and despite a ‘suicide attack’ near cricketing venue, the tour went ahead. Then Pakistan launched its own version of league cricket in the form of Pakistan Super League in 2016 and much to the surprise of everyone was a huge success! Revival of cricket in Pakistan was on the horizon. Time for ‘them’ to go back to the drawing boards, and they did with more than a ‘big bang’!

We will surely find out about the fate of final in a few days’ time, but one thing is for certain we might lose a battle or two, but we will win the war!