Reema Shaukat
Despite India’s efforts to isolate Pakistan at any platform, whenever possible, some good omens always echo for Pakistan. One of such great development is the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. Almost a decade ago, there was an attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore while they were going to a stadium in a bus. Though no Sri Lankan died in this attack but it severely affected Pakistan’s role in international community. No doubt, Pakistan almost played a war inflicted upon it with bravery and resilience and came out of this war against terrorism as successful as a symbol of peace loving nation and role model for rest of countries that despite limited resources and many sacrifices it shines in world community.
It is said that countries in international arena should invest more in soft power to have sustainable growth. Though hard power or military power is tangible element of national power and secured by nations, the intangible elements include such steps whose impact is more nowadays. The term ‘soft power’ was coined in 1990 by Professor Joseph Nye to explain how modern states can use positive attraction and persuasion to achieve global influence. He defined that soft power is the ability to get what you want through attraction rather than coercion or payments. It arises from the attractiveness of a country’s culture, political ideals, and policies. When our policies are seen as legitimate in the eyes of others, our soft power is enhanced. Soft power includes propaganda, but is considerably broader. It is much more than image, public relations and ephemeral popularity. It constitutes very real power – an ability to gain objectives. By this definition of Joseph Nye countries need to prop up their soft image. Pakistan is blessed with utmost beauty and serenity but negligence in many sectors make its image as nation of terrorists. The image of the country has been discoloured due to terrorism mostly propelled by hostile nations not only in our neighbourhood but across the borders too. Pakistan is now quoted as a country of peace lovers and peace builders as they have strived hard to overthrow their adversaries without any demoralization. Despite great number of human losses in war against terrorism and paying huge price in terms of physical, economical and other setbacks they stand out today as dignified nation. But unfortunately image of Pakistan in western eyes and rest of the world is overshadowed and they consider Pakistan as a futile state. There are more good and few bad things in Pakistan as other countries and even superpower of the world have but image building and perceptions play a key role in determining a state’s stature. Same goes for Pakistan where bad things are highlighted more abruptly thus ruining its soft or good image.
After the attack on Sri Lankan team in 2009 and with tensed security situation, gradually sports and other such activities were rolled back. Though Pakistani sports team used to visit abroad, but no foreign player was willing to visit Pakistan amid security concerns. Cricket is one such game which is not only played and liked across the world but Pakistan has one of best cricket teams in world. The rolling back of international cricket from Pakistan, gave it a severe setback internationally. But now thankfully international cricket is back to Pakistan. Recently Sri Lankan cricket team was here in Pakistan and had out class matches with Pakistani team. This speaks volumes about the restoration of peace and confidence of international community on Pakistan’s security environment. According to latest news coming in, Pakistan may get to host more international cricket following the successful staging of their series against Sri Lanka. The prospect of staging a series against England and Ireland have emerged with England and Wales Cricket Board, Chief Executive Tom Harrison and Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom who both visited Islamabad and Lahore lately. Speaking to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) weekly Podcast, Harrison expressed his appreciation for the initiatives taken by the local authorities for safety of the cricketers and spectators. He remarked that he was taking all the information home as it would help in considering fulfilling the England cricket team’s obligation in 2022. The well-fought series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which was held recently in Pakistan, is now likely to make more nations consider touring Pakistan. For over a decade, all the Pakistan’s home series matches were held in UAE. Harrison told PCB Podcast after the trip: “This is really an important trip for us. We were invited by the PCB to come and look at the security provisions that are put in place to host big cricket international events. And, it is very important for us to see that first-hand, to meet key players in that security team, all of the decision-makers and work-out the steps that we need to take to assess the viability of an England tour of Pakistan in the future.”
Ireland’s Deutrom told PCB Podcast that, we want to play our part in assisting getting international cricket back in Pakistan. The courtesy, the generosity, the hospitality, the warmth, the love of cricket is plainly obvious for anyone to see. Cricket Ireland is now a Test nation and we certainly feel it is important that we play our part in being a mature and grown-up member of the cricket family. It is important to note that Ireland had been interested in touring Pakistan in 2014 as well and negotiations to play a three-match ODI series had been near their final stages when they were forced to a halt by the attack on Karachi airport in September of that year. Pakistan were Ireland’s opponents when they made their Test debut in 2018 and the two teams are set to play each other again in a T20I series next July.
Experts of diplomacy and international relations suggest that many factors contribute in promoting a nation’s soft image to the rest of the world. Not only country’s diplomatic relations with other states and politics matter but overall growth in economy, investment, tourism, sports, exchange programs for youth, standard of education, provision of quality medical facilities to its people measure soft power. Hopefully with this revival of international cricket in Pakistan we the nation with great spirits are going to highlight exceptional things about Pakistan internationally.
