A letter to the Australians (by Kamran Abbassi)

[mkexpress]

A brilliant letter..... by Kamran Abbasi

http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/02/a_letter_to_australians.php#more


Dear Aussies,

We hear you swim with sharks yet you cannot walk the same earth as 160 million of your fellow men and women? Pakistan may be a country demonised by the world and dubbed a basket case by the world's media yet the ground reality is something very different.

Pakistan is a country struggling with its identity like many emerging countries--how to resolve Islam with the modern world?--but it is not a dangerous place, certainly not for international cricketers. Benazir Bhutto's death was a tragedy but a political assassination has no significance for Australians.

Many countries have toured Pakistan since your last refusal and all their players have returned home safely. Indeed, cricket is held in such esteem that it is equally loved by young women in designer shades and old men with unkempt beards. All the religious men I have ever met in Pakistan have loved cricket and relished the challenge of Australia.

Hence, your refusal seems strange to me, borne of a mental caricature of a country that bears no relationship with the "risks" that you will face. To me, this smacks of cultural imperialism, an unwillingness to properly understand and engage with the reality of a much poorer country.

Instead you wallow in the splendour of your rich world lifestyles. This whole approach is against the spirit of cricket, a game that has helped bridge social and political divisions and conflicts.

I fail to understand the risks you perceive you will be exposed to? As I have argued before, these risks are far smaller than driving a fast car, crossing the road, swimming with sharks or any of the extreme sports you are famous for indulging in. Cricketers have died or been seriously injured on the cricket field throughout the world while no cricketer has ever come to harm during Pakistan's "troubles".

Failing all that, if you do fear the bombers of Karachi more than the bombers of London, Colombo, or Mumbai then please stay at home but you should allow braver, hungrier, and more realistic cricketers to go in your place.

Surely the answer for Cricket Australia is to assemble a team of the willing and honour its commitment to international cricket? The alternative is an international game that becomes increasing divided by false fears into a game of the rich and poor. Cricket has always had greater significance than most sports, and your attitude does this great game a monumental disservice.

[Luton Bad Boy]

Brilliantly written, exceptionally articulated from Kamran Abbasi. The cricket-loving fans of Pakistan will be the ones the suffer most from this refusal from Australia.

[Pakistani tigers]

Completely agree with Kamran. One of his better blog entries in the recent past. We should email this to Cricket Australia!

[Pakistani tigers]

http://www.cricket.com.au/default.aspx?s=contactus

Here is the contact us link on the Cricket Australia website. Pls feel free to send them this letter and write SHAME, SHAME and SHAME!

[Hash]

What a magnificent article by Kamran Abassi. Simply superb.

[Hash]

I think everyone should forward this letter to CA via the link 'Pakistani tigers' has provided.....as long as Kamran Abassi doesn't mind (I'm sure he wouldn't).

[kayanni]

sums it up nicely

[KA$H]

no actually its was very over-the-top and simplistic journalism

good for getting some patriotic feeling going tho

[Hash]

no actually its was very over-the-top and simplistic journalism

good for getting some patriotic feeling going tho

it would be nice if you could provide examples of what was 'over the top' and what was 'simplistic journalism', rather than just saying it. It would help in getting a discussion going.

[W63L35]

I think everyone should forward this letter to CA via the link 'Pakistani tigers' has provided.....as long as Kamran Abassi doesn't mind (I'm sure he wouldn't).

Any chance/way of forwarding some common sense point to DNA...........like considering neutral venue?

[Fish]

Dear Kamran Abbasi

Australians and the Australian cricket team would like nothing more than to play cricket in Pakistan and have a competitive and hard fought series that provides endless entertainment to all cricket lovers.

But Australia is not willing to risk our whole cricket future on one series. If advice from security experts advise Cricket Australia there is a significant risk to its players and they go against that advice and something happens to even one player then our cricket future is on the line. The ramifications would be horrendous including the possibility of CA officials serving jail time and mammoth lawsuits that could cripple CA.

We accept that you give your word that nothing will happen and all players will return but in a court of law it amounts to nothing and CA would be foolhardy to use that as a criteria for sending players to Pakistan against the advice of experts in this field. Put simply it is of little value to CA.

Swimming with sharks or driving fast cars is a individual right to take risks and the responsibility rests with the individual whatever the concequences. For a organisation like CA to arrange an event that is for the purpose of making money that results in taking a risk against advice to the contrary puts the directors of CA in a position of criminal neglect.

[Hash]

Any chance/way of forwarding some common sense point to DNA...........like considering neutral venue?

Everyone is against neutral venue....you're the only one in favour of it. That would basically be giving the green light to everyone to say 'ok, you don't have to play in Pakistan, we will play you in Sharjah. We might as well kiss goodbye to any home series for the forseeable future.

Back in 2000 or whenever it was the PCB was in a different position. We were cripled financially and we needed the tour to go ahead. This time we don't NEED the tour to go ahead and with the series insured and Australia most likely having to pay compensation (because their government has not stopped them from going), we don't stand to lose any money with the cancelation of this series.

Dr Nasim Ashraf has already stated that there will be no series at a neutral venue.

[jackal786]

I think Australia misses some entertainment there. If PCB assures of some entertainment in any form i think ozzies will tour. :P

[W63L35]

Everyone is against neutral venue....you're the only one in favour of it.

Everyone? CA did throw this option on the table in the beginning. Didn't they?

I did not want neutral venue in the beginning...but what I am saying is.....that now if we consider neutral venue, then CA and AUS player would be in MUCH more difficult situation to say no....since every Aus player wants to play in IPL.


That would basically be giving the green light to everyone to say 'ok, you don't have to play in Pakistan, we will play you in Sharjah. We might as well kiss goodbye to any home series for the forseeable future.

Why India is playing SL in Australia - right now?


Back in 2000 or whenever it was the PCB was in a different position. We were crippled financially and we needed the tour to go ahead. This time we don't NEED the tour to go ahead and with the series insured and Australia most likely having to pay compensation (because their government has not stopped them from going), we don't stand to lose any money with the cancelation of this series.

Wow....so its all about money? I didn't think, I'd here this from YOU....ever in my life! :P Freaking greedy PCB? It is OK for PCB to do anything and everything about money but when player join ICL.....?
As far as CA paying PCB is concerned, please post a copy of the check on PP when PCB gets it. I am sure you have that much access.


Dr Nasim Ashraf has already stated that there will be no series at a neutral venue.
Yeh.....everything DNA states is nothing less than a Commandment!
Can you list any one or two major decisions that DNA has taken that are totally wrong in your opinion?

[Boi]

Great Article he sums up everything!!!

[Hash]

Everyone? CA did throw this option on the table in the beginning. Didn't they?

I meant everyone in Pakistan....wasn't talking about the Aussies.

I did not want neutral venue in the beginning...but what I am saying is.....that now if we consider neutral venue, then CA and AUS player would be in MUCH more difficult situation to say no....since every Aus player wants to play in IPL.

It would certainly throw the Aussies off guard. Not sure what they would do. The series would probably go ahead but it would have negative ramifications for Pakistan cricket.


Why India is playing SL in Australia - right now?

They are playing a triangular ODI series with Australia, so your point is a non starter. ODI cricket is not the same anyway.....test cricket is the real 'series'. I wouldn't complain if we had a bilateral ODI series with the Aussies at a neutral venue as a replacement, but no tests at a neutral venue. The real cricket, the real test, the TEST SERIES......has to be in Pakistan. Nowhere else.


Wow....so its all about money? I didn't think, I'd here this from YOU....ever in my life! :P Freaking greedy PCB? It is OK for PCB to do anything and everything about money but when player join ICL.....?
As far as CA paying PCB is concerned, please post a copy of the check on PP when PCB gets it. I am sure you have that much access.

Well no it's not all about money. It's also about principle.I was merely stating that the PCB was in a completely different position back in 2002 or whenever it was. We were in no position to turn down the tour and we had to play it, whether it was at a neutral venue or not. Today, things are different. We are healthy financially and we don't need to bend our backs for anyone.


Yeh.....everything DNA states is nothing less than a Commandment!
Can you list any one or two major decisions that DNA has taken that are totally wrong in your opinion?

I'd have to think about this one but I think in hindsight it was wrong to sack Waqar Younis as bowling coach. You got one there.

[W63L35]

It would certainly throw the Aussies off guard. Not sure what they would do. The series would probably go ahead but it would have negative ramifications for Pakistan cricket.


Thanks for understanding my point.....!!

This is exactly I want PCB to do.....throw Australia OFF.....and then see what happen. If I was a betting man, I can bet $1000 right now if DNA just says that we are ready for neutral venue....CA will be in huge trouble. They'll HAVE to send a team to Sharjah/Abu Dahbi. Then the fight would be between CA and players who may revolt for going to IPL!

[Imy]

Okay sure would australia also agree to have there series on nuetral venues when pak tours

[Fessal]

very well written. a good message sent by mr abbasi.

[W63L35]

Okay sure would australia also agree to have there series on nuetral venues when pak tours

The issue is the situation in Pak AND Aus players desperately wanting to play IPL. Would we have those issues when we tour Aus?

[Monsee]

Dear Kamran Abbasi

Australians and the Australian cricket team would like nothing more than to play cricket in Pakistan and have a competitive and hard fought series that provides endless entertainment to all cricket lovers.

But Australia is not willing to risk our whole cricket future on one series. If advice from security experts advise Cricket Australia there is a significant risk to its players and they go against that advice and something happens to even one player then our cricket future is on the line. The ramifications would be horrendous including the possibility of CA officials serving jail time and mammoth lawsuits that could cripple CA.

We accept that you give your word that nothing will happen and all players will return but in a court of law it amounts to nothing and CA would be foolhardy to use that as a criteria for sending players to Pakistan against the advice of experts in this field. Put simply it is of little value to CA.

Swimming with sharks or driving fast cars is a individual right to take risks and the responsibility rests with the individual whatever the concequences. For a organisation like CA to arrange an event that is for the purpose of making money that results in taking a risk against advice to the contrary puts the directors of CA in a position of criminal neglect.



You did not address the part about Aussies 'Touring India, Lanka, and England' despite voilence and unrest happening before, during, and even after their tour!

Why the double standard...I would like to see the security clearence reports for those tours (especially Lanka and India for sure)

[Mercenary]

Dear Kamran Abbasi

Australians and the Australian cricket team would like nothing more than to play cricket in Pakistan and have a competitive and hard fought series that provides endless entertainment to all cricket lovers.

But Australia is not willing to risk our whole cricket future on one series. If advice from security experts advise Cricket Australia there is a significant risk to its players and they go against that advice and something happens to even one player then our cricket future is on the line. The ramifications would be horrendous including the possibility of CA officials serving jail time and mammoth lawsuits that could cripple CA.

We accept that you give your word that nothing will happen and all players will return but in a court of law it amounts to nothing and CA would be foolhardy to use that as a criteria for sending players to Pakistan against the advice of experts in this field. Put simply it is of little value to CA.

Swimming with sharks or driving fast cars is a individual right to take risks and the responsibility rests with the individual whatever the concequences. For a organisation like CA to arrange an event that is for the purpose of making money that results in taking a risk against advice to the contrary puts the directors of CA in a position of criminal neglect.

Dear Aussie Fans, Cricketers and CA,

Are the lives of the senior Aussie cricketers more valuable than the lives of the Aussie A Team (which contained several senior team players) or the Aussie u19 team both of whom have toured Pakistan with no problem?

Are the lives of Aussies more valuable than the lives of English, Kiwi, Windies, Indian, Sri Lankan, Zimbabwean, Bangladeshi and Saffie cricketers? All these team have toured safely since the last time the Aussies toured.

And why the double standards? During the 2005 Ashes, there was an attempt to explode 8 bombs in England within a fortnight of each other and then there was an extended period when a minimum of 4 failed suicide bombers were running free and believed to be looking for high profile events to blow up. Yet you stayed and completed your series at a time when the citizens of that country were walking around like frightened rabbits caught in a speeding cars headlights.

Perhaps it's time for a reality check for all of you, just shut up and get on with playing cricket!

Merc
PP

[Imy]

Thats absolute ******** it doesnt matter if uis IPL or not the fact is there are supposed to tour here IPL is not our concern if they doent we dont , if they want nuetral place we want it too, Please tell me can australia guarantee thet when Pak comes to Autralia they will not be any bombimgs in Australia.

[StumpMic]

Thats absolute ******** it doesnt matter if uis IPL or not the fact is there are supposed to tour here IPL is not our concern if they doent we dont , if they want nuetral place we want it too, Please tell me can australia guarantee thet when Pak comes to Autralia they will not be any bombimgs in Australia.

Does getting hit by an egg count?

[UP]

Brilliantly written by Kamran! :14:

Shame on Australia.

[the_game]

Forget Kamran's article, let's just send out Merc's article to the Australian cricket board!

[Inswinger]

Any chance/way of forwarding some common sense point to DNA...........like considering neutral venue?

If they feel that they are too good visit Pakistan because they might be "targeted" then they should just stay at home. We cant give in and play them at a neutral venue again. If they dont want to come to Pakistan the We shouldnt tour Australia either.

[J-Essence]

the article gave me an adrenaline rush

[saadibaba]

All this would not be happeneing if ICC had some balls.

[Uzi]

Excellent article by Kamran.

[Hash]

All this would not be happeneing if ICC had some balls.

ICC? What do you expect them to do? Physically force Australia onto a flight to Pakistan and then physically force them to stay in the country?

[Amir]

Any chance/way of forwarding some common sense point to DNA...........like considering neutral venue?

Why should we bend over backwards for them? They don't deserve it. When have they ever done us a favour? I can't even remember the last time CA did anything to benefit PCB. If I am correct, they even voted to keep Hair!!!

We toured twice now since they last visited and we shouldnt need to change for them. Espically seeing as SA, Zim, India, england, west indies, lanka have all toured with no problem whatsoever.

For once DNA shows soem balls and he still gets criticized!

[Saj]

Kamran bhai. I know you like to read the reaction of PPers to your articles :)

Well its a thumbs up from me :19:

What I fail to fathom is that Lawson will be there, the Zimbabweans have been to Pakistan, Chris Broad was there, the neutral umpires have recently been to Pakistan and nobody as far as I am aware even said BOO to them.

You can bet that had there been any security issues with regards to the cricketers, umpires, officials etc it would have been headline news.

How about the Aussies just select 16 players from 1st class cricket who are prepared to travel to Pakistan and get the series on (pick any 16, they'll still beat us)

[Rudi hater]

Kamran bhai. I know you like to read the reaction of PPers to your articles :)

Well its a thumbs up from me :19:

What I fail to fathom is that Lawson will be there, the Zimbabweans have been to Pakistan, Chris Broad was there, the neutral umpires have recently been to Pakistan and nobody as far as I am aware even said BOO to them.

You can bet that had there been any security issues with regards to the cricketers, umpires, officials etc it would have been headline news.

How about the Aussies just select 16 players from 1st class cricket who are prepared to travel to Pakistan and get the series on (pick any 16, they'll still beat us)


So what about the staff at foreign embassies. Include them too.

[OZGOD]

How about the Aussies just select 16 players from 1st class cricket who are prepared to travel to Pakistan and get the series on (pick any 16, they'll still beat us)

IF the security recommendation is to not go, then they should not go. If the security recommendation is to go, they should go. If people opt out after security says its ok, AND they then go and play in the IPL, that's fine, they're entitled to make a living - but they should not be selected for Australia again. It's like changing jobs. You can't have it both ways. We only want people representing their country who want to play for their country.

[Saj]

So what about the staff at foreign embassies. Include them too.
good point Rudi.

I also havent heard of any multinational companies telling their employees to leave Pakistan either.

[Hash]

good point Rudi.

I also havent heard of any multinational companies telling their employees to leave Pakistan either.

My family has some white friends here in Islamabad....an Aussie and an Italian. They are living perfectly happily and going about their lives. They haven't left or had any trouble or problems at all.

[Hash]

Having said that.....a white friend of mine was going to come to Pakistan for work purposes and he has just e-mailed me to say they have pulled out because it is 'too dangerous'.

[Dhonifan]

Aussies backed into a corner but what can anyone do if players are too scared to come? ACB cannot force anyone to go, and if they take junior players, or Australia A team, it will mean substandard cricket.

PCB should ask for heavy compensation, make a big fuss, but not threaten to cancel its own tour to Australia.

[Caved12]

Spot on Kamran Abbassi.

[tracker22]

If aussies don't want to come to pakistan,let them stay home,but someone please tell "DNA" and PCB to show some dignity and don't
" BEND OVER "for every body in the world.

[W63L35]

If aussies don't want to come to pakistan,let them stay home,but someone please tell "DNA" and PCB to show some dignity and don't " BEND OVER "for every body in the world.

By agreeing to neutral venue, DNA/PCB will not bending over......IMO, it will put CA in very tight spot and may even cause a huge revolt by Aus cricket players against CA. If DNA, agrees to neutral venue, CA will HAVE to send its team to Sharjah while everybody on that team wanting to go to India for IPL. By not agreeing to neutral venue, DNA is BENDING over and letting Aus cricketer do what they want to do (go to IPL) and making things easy for CA!!!

[saffer]

Australia could argue that they have soldiers in Iraq and Howard was outspoken about "terrorism" . I don't know . I don't think people realise how much propoganda about muslims fundamentalism is shoved down peoples throats in some western countries . It's hard for people to be rational when they are frightened .

[Mercenary]

Australia could argue that they have soldiers in Iraq and Howard was outspoken about "terrorism" . I don't know . I don't think people realise how much propoganda about muslims fundamentalism is shoved down peoples throats in some western countries . It's hard for people to be rational when they are frightened .

England have been twice since the Aussies last visit

[Daoud]

IF the security recommendation is to not go, then they should not go. If the security recommendation is to go, they should go. If people opt out after security says its ok, AND they then go and play in the IPL, that's fine, they're entitled to make a living - but they should not be selected for Australia again. It's like changing jobs. You can't have it both ways. We only want people representing their country who want to play for their country.
Definitely agree with that and it may become a key issue. It will be very disappointing to see if anyone does that, and hopefully they will be hit hard if that happens

[Saqs]

didnt the london bombings happen while an ashes match was being played

talk of possible cancellation for the rest of the tour? - zilch

[Random Aussie]

didnt the london bombings happen while an ashes match was being played

talk of possible cancellation for the rest of the tour? - zilch


Don't make things up mate - there was talk of cancelling that tour but the team decided to continue.

[W63L35]

Don't make things up mate - there was talk of cancelling that tour but the team decided to continue.

...and now the team wants to.....????

[Random Aussie]

...and now the team wants to.....????

play IPL by the sound of it :12:

[W63L35]

play IPL by the sound of it :12:

:)

[Saj]

So, let me get this right. Pakistan was perfectly safe a few months ago when the Aussie "A" team was there, but its not safe now, hmmm.

Correct me if I am worng here, but wont the elections be truly out the way by the time the Aussies are due to land?

[Random Aussie]

So, let me get this right. Pakistan was perfectly safe a few months ago when the Aussie "A" team was there, but its not safe now, hmmm.

Correct me if I am worng here, but wont the elections be truly out the way by the time the Aussies are due to land?

The A team does not attract anywhere near as much attention as the current world champions of Test and ODI cricket.

Secondly, the main point of the Aus security issue is that we don't know what will happen after the elections.

[dblock]

For once I actually agree with a lot of Kamran Abbassi's post.

[jackal786]

The A team does not attract anywhere near as much attention as the current world champions of Test and ODI cricket.

Secondly, the main point of the Aus security issue is that we don't know what will happen after the elections.


Sorry dude. If you are talking about political attention, last thing protestors will pay attention to is an australian team. The theory is too convoluted. Just because Australia stood besides USA for 9/11 war they would attack Australians.. This theory is too far fetched. Of all the countries Indian players will be the one under higher risks because of direct tiff between India and Pakistan. India has toured several times over the last few years without any problem. Do you think those who are involved in these political protests have time to watch cricket and target the players who play them?

[dildilpakistan]

great article by kamran abbassi. i think the aussies are more scared of the reaction when they are caught taking dodgy catches. they find its easier to cheat and win, and would be more scared of cheating outside their own country. its simple, aussies dont like playing in the subcontinent, any excuse not to go there. should sri lanka not tour australia, seeing the way murali gets treated there. i am sure the australian supporters are more threatening to him than the pakistanis would be towards australians.

[Random Aussie]

Sorry dude. If you are talking about political attention, last thing protestors will pay attention to is an australian team. The theory is too convoluted. Just because Australia stood besides USA for 9/11 war they would attack Australians.. This theory is too far fetched. Of all the countries Indian players will be the one under higher risks because of direct tiff between India and Pakistan. India has toured several times over the last few years without any problem. Do you think those who are involved in these political protests have time to watch cricket and target the players who play them?

No mate not talking about political attention - just sayng that there will be much more media about the tour by the Test team and more people across Pakistan wil be aware of it.
There will also be much heavier security and they are not just doing a tour of Punjab like the A team.
I am not equivocating India and Australia btw as those are clearly comparable tours, but the A team tour and the national team tour are clearly different in terms of scale and attention.

[Random Aussie]

great article by kamran abbassi. i think the aussies are more scared of the reaction when they are caught taking dodgy catches. they find its easier to cheat and win, and would be more scared of cheating outside their own country.

:)) :))
Think you might find we have a habit of winning overseas as well as at home
:)) :))

[jackal786]

No mate not talking about political attention - just sayng that there will be much more media about the tour by the Test team and more people across Pakistan wil be aware of it.
There will also be much heavier security and they are not just doing a tour of Punjab like the A team.
I am not equivocating India and Australia btw as those are clearly comparable tours, but the A team tour and the national team tour are clearly different in terms of scale and attention.


My point is.. there is no evidence they target cricketers. Only way cricketers get hurt is by being at the wrong place at the wrong time which is not going to happen with strict security around. But it is entirely upto Australian board. Some teams take a chance and tour and come back without any problems. Some teams hesitate even at the remote possibility of a threat. I agree, a threat is a threat. But Pakistan fans never had an opportunity to witness one of the all time great batsman Gilly thanks to this stand taken by Australian board. Now they might even miss player like Brett Lee.

[Random Aussie]

My point is.. there is no evidence they target cricketers. Only way cricketers get hurt is by being at the wrong place at the wrong time which is not going to happen with strict security around. But it is entirely upto Australian board. Some teams take a chance and tour and come back without any problems. Some teams hesitate even at the remote possibility of a threat. I agree, a threat is a threat. But Pakistan fans never had an opportunity to witness one of the all time great batsman Gilly thanks to this stand taken by Australian board. Now they might even miss player like Brett Lee.

Yes I agree. Have said many times that I think Australia should be touring and will be really disappointed if we don't.
I just don't think the A team tour and the national team tour are comparable in any way. India's tours, South Africa's tours yes.

[Crickteria]

No mate not talking about political attention - just sayng that there will be much more media about the tour by the Test team and more people across Pakistan wil be aware of it.
There will also be much heavier security and they are not just doing a tour of Punjab like the A team.
I am not equivocating India and Australia btw as those are clearly comparable tours, but the A team tour and the national team tour are clearly different in terms of scale and attention.
Except for karachi, all other venues are in punjab. If australian team has any reservations about playing in karachi, let it be known to PCB and i am sure it can be addressed. But the message from the team is coming that if tour goes ahead, number of players will opt out. So it doesn't make any difference if all matches are played in punjab or not. Their mind is made up and they don't want to come in.

[W63L35]

Everyone is against neutral venue....you're the only one in favour of it.
Ok...lets see, if I am the only one;
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?t=53182
http://i32.tinypic.com/2crvogm.jpg

So far 23 other PPers agree with neutral venue option - about 25.26%!

But more importantly (24+13+2) 39 voters (41.05%) DISAGREE with DNA's option!

[Big Harvey]

And why the double standards? During the 2005 Ashes, there was an attempt to explode 8 bombs in England within a fortnight of each other and then there was an extended period when a minimum of 4 failed suicide bombers were running free and believed to be looking for high profile events to blow up. Yet you stayed and completed your series at a time when the citizens of that country were walking around like frightened rabbits caught in a speeding cars headlights.



Nobody I knew was walking around like startled rabbits!

In the UK, previous generations experienced the blitz, and anyone who remembers the 1970's and 1980's will have lived through dozens of bombing campaigns by the IRA and others. Everyone I knew just went normally about their everyday lives.

Still, you're right to point out the Australian hypocrisy, which is based on prejudice.