Is Pakistan cricket being laughed at by the rest of world cricket?

[Wasim_Waqar]

Well hardly any of the big countries have done anything to step up and help us.

The administration as per usual has been useless.

[Keith]

[shabs100]

well losing so badly against the likes of srilanka surely doesnt help our cause. Other than the financial perspective, the reason indians are so respected is because of what they prduce on the field.

[MIG]

What issues are we referring to here - a little clarity pls?

[shabs100]

Fact of the matter is, since no one wants anythign to do with them, pakistan have to force their own recognition onto the world. They can only achieve this through winning.

[Bublu Bhuyan]

Things don't happen over night. It's a step by step process. The first positive step has been taken with the removal of Mallik as captain. It not that Younis needed to lead the side, but more like Mallik needed to step down. An uninspiring captain like him was doing no good to himself and his team.

The next step is to perform against Sri Lanka in the upcoming Test matches. A current good and powerful (not boasting, mind you) Indian team lost to Sri Lanka in the Test series last year. Defeating Sri Lanka would make a big statement to world cricket and ICC by Pakistan cricket in general.

[MIG]

Exactly what do you expect PCB to do here?

[Mercenary]

Pakistan today remind me of India pre-2002. They're only two ways out of this.

Get rich and buy other teams or get so good that other teams want to test themselves against you. Right now neither option looks like happening any time soon.

[Luton Bad Boy]

Pakistan cricket.....Easy to blame but, harder to play in Pakistan conditions for certain teams...

Sadly, it is the stigma attached with the word PAKISTAN that drives people away rather than what is actually happening in the country...

The laughing stock are the countries who refuse to tour on 'security grounds' when there own houses are not in order...

[waqar akram]

Originally Posted by shabs100 well losing so badly against the likes of srilanka surely doesnt help our cause. Other than the financial perspective, the reason indians are so respected is because of what they prduce on the field.

considering australia's recent performance against south africa and new zealand im beggining to wonder if india beating australia in india really was a big deal. and the same can be said about india's victory of england consdering the way england got butchered at the hands of a west indian first class team this week.

[waqar akram]

if u dont get to play matches how the hell can u WIN matches. i admit we lost an ODI series to sri lanka but india lost a test series to ONE MAN mendis, how come their credibilty doesnt go down?. simple: BULLY UR WAY INTO EVERY SITUATION, and if that fails then there is no lie a good dose of INDIAN MEDIA PROPOGANDA cant turn into truth. i remember being 11 yrs old at the start of the 99 WC and the indian media hype over their team was so intense that i though srinath was the best swinger of the ball at the moment and that the indian team was the best in the world(this notion was instantly dispelled after the sharjah cup right before the wc99). i laugh till my ribs hurt now tht i think of how naive i was to actually belive them. 10 years on and the indian media still hasnt grown up . if anything it has actually become sillier. they now try to paint a country with a lower per capita income than a "failed state" as a superpower.

[Awesome Anjum]

The rest of the world will laugh at you when you have a jahil like Ejaz Butt in charge.

[Savak]

It will take time, we need to start winning for a change. We need to win against the bigger teams. Second we need to be out there on the field more often, being absent from test cricket and ODI cricket for a year doesnt help our cause. Having a more popular choice in Younis Khan as captain is a positive step. I must also admit this, if Akhtar and Asif instead of their problems, controversies had been available and led Pakistan to victories with 5-10 wicket hauls consistently in test matches, it would have improved our marketability. But we as a team have to improve our marketability, we need to find more match winners in the team and getting the likes of Razzaq, Rana Naveed, Yousaf and Imran Nazir along with any promising youngster is a step in the right direction.

The PCB is being run by test cricketers and that is a step in the right direction. Last but not least the government has a special responsibility to address the current law and order situation. The security situation needs massive improvement other wise dont expect any western team to come to Pakistan.

It will take time to fix our problems but atleast lets take the first step towards rehabilitation.

[joy83]

Originally Posted by waqar akram if u dont get to play matches how the hell can u WIN matches. i admit we lost an ODI series to sri lanka but india lost a test series to ONE MAN mendis, how come their credibilty doesnt go down?. simple: BULLY UR WAY INTO EVERY SITUATION, and if that fails then there is no lie a good dose of INDIAN MEDIA PROPOGANDA cant turn into truth. i remember being 11 yrs old at the start of the 99 WC and the indian media hype over their team was so intense that i though srinath was the best swinger of the ball at the moment and that the indian team was the best in the world(this notion was instantly dispelled after the sharjah cup right before the wc99). i laugh till my ribs hurt now tht i think of how naive i was to actually belive them. 10 years on and the indian media still hasnt grown up . if anything it has actually become sillier. they now try to paint a country with a lower per capita income than a "failed state" as a superpower.

Lol nice try, try to stick to the topic about improving pakistani cricket and not bash India. Guess what, this is probably the problem with pakistani cricket and their fans, they think too much about whats going on in India and its cricket and forget about the shithole they are themselves in.

[MIG]

You know whats really funny?

You are banned

[IronMan2009]

With United states Army inside Pakistan don't think countries like England, Australia tour not that Australia was touring earlier. But England had no problem touring there. Even India would have toured but for Mumbai incident which is totally understandable. At this point Only way Pakistan can keep their cricket alive and kicking is by playing more abroad matches. Not Bangladesh i mean. Outside subcontinent. Amidst this crisis it is people like Misba are getting affected. He is approaching 35. He has played just 10 tests and 46 ODIs which is a shame considering the form he was in. Now he may have lost it. Real sad story.

[Mohsin]

With United states Army inside Pakistan

Which bloody world do you live in?!

[IronMan2009]

Originally Posted by Mohsin Which bloody world do you live in?!

On the borders.. okay ..

[waqar akram]

Originally Posted by joy83 Lol nice try, try to stick to the topic about improving pakistani cricket and not bash India. Guess what, this is probably the problem with pakistani cricket and their fans, they think too much about whats going on in India and its cricket and forget about the shithole they are themselves in.

u think india has nothing to do with our current predicament?
i dont think u know this but BCCI was irked when sri lanka decided to tour us. ICL players were banned by india. india banned its sportsmen for touring pakistan just becuse they cant control right wing hindu extremism in their country and have constantly lobbied to isolate pakistan in the international comunity, u think they wouldnt do the same in cricket? im sure the BCCI opposes everything pakistan says at ICC meetings due to the indian government's current stance on pakistan.

go to any indian cricket forum and u wont find any indian snubbed by another indian over anti pakistan comments even though pakistan has never tried to deliberalty weaken india.

[IronMan2009]

Point is they are US allies. They will consider themselves as targets. SL , WI won't have such problems.

[waqar akram]

the problem with pakistanis is not thinking too much abt india, india is a threat to us, most indians subtley take away our right to be a nation by saying partition was a big mistake. the problem with us a lack of unity and a lack of a common pakistani cause. lack of pakistaniat.

[IronMan2009]

Originally Posted by waqar akram the problem with pakistanis is not thinking too much abt india, india is a threat to us, most indians subtley take away our right to be a nation by saying partition was a big mistake. the problem with us a lack of unity and a lack of a common pakistani cause. lack of pakistaniat.

If i am right Australia has not toured Pakistan for the last 10 years. England/SA backed out on their own from champions trophy. What is happening now is just an extension of those reactions to Pakistan's internal crisis. FYI since 2000 India is the country that played highest number of Tests and One dayers in Pakistan. India would have toured but for this problem. ICL banning applies to not just Pakistan players also NZ. Think about Shane Bond. Most of the problems have been result of general deteriorated image of Pakisan in the eyes of foreign countries.

[bdchamp20]

I actually applaud Pakistan for taking two tough but right and fair decisions today. Hopefully Bangladesh will follow them for the ICL part.

[siccric]

Who cares if we are laughed at. I think any true Pakistan fan will always stick with his team, no matter what it becomes. Can we not criticize the PCB for every single mistake? I've seen them handle things relatively well ever since they came here. Of course, not perfectly but pretty well

[Ghoshtbuster]

Solution is pretty simple, we pick our best players (not letting any greasebags dictate) and play wherever.

Thats what we are, a cricket team. You can well up and shed a tear at perceived social/cultural/national injustice - but its just a game. Lets play it.

[Momo]

Originally Posted by Ghoshtbuster Solution is pretty simple, we pick our best players (not letting any greasebags dictate) and play wherever. Thats what we are, a cricket team. You can well up and shed a tear at perceived social/cultural/national injustice - but its just a game. Lets play it.

This.

[12thMan]

Solution is pretty simple, we pick our best players (not letting any greasebags dictate) and play wherever.

I read somewhere here couple of days ago that from June 1, ICL players will formally banned??? by ICC. Not sure if that is for international or domestic cricket also (I think report said international but I can't remember).

Let's see if ICL lasts that long and what happens to the above

[Harambe]

Originally Posted by IronMan2009 Point is they are US allies. They will consider themselves as targets. SL , WI won't have such problems.

Ironman -- the reality is Security situation in Pakistan cannot be compared to Security Situation ANYWHERE else in the world. This is a direct effect of just that.

I know most people will get riled by this statement, but that is just a fact. What most people here need to do -- is take a couple of steps back and ask themselves a question -- Why 6 out of 8 teams are reluctant to tour Pakistan but do not have an problem to tour elsewhere. And they need to be open minded and realistic when they search for an answer to that.

Most people here will get engulfed in their nationalistic flame and say -- "Oh we are being singled out. Teams dont like us". Blah Blah Blah and Blah Blah and Blah. Think about it -- what has Haroon Lorgat and ICC got to gain by sidelining Pakistan, if anything they stand to lose.

When an English Journalist was asked by Sambit Bal about the double standards and I quote


In the Chennai Test, which England gallantly returned to play after the Mumbai terror attacks, I asked an English journalist why Western players and boards should not be accused of double standards in dealing with security situations in India and Pakistan. His reply was simple, but chilling. It took the terrorists months of preparations to do what they did in Mumbai, he reckoned, but in Pakistan there lurks the danger of someone merely driving in with a van laden with explosives at an hour's notice. It was simplistic, and perhaps exaggerated, but it's a perception the Pakistan Cricket Board can neither fight nor ignore.


That is exactly how the whole world feels about Pakistan and you simply cannot ignore that.

[Ghoshtbuster]

Thanks for the important information Haram-e. Glad you returned from your security tour of Pakistan safely.

[Mohsin]

[waqar akram]

[waqar akram]

Originally Posted by Harambe Ironman -- the reality is Security situation in Pakistan cannot be compared to Security Situation ANYWHERE else in the world. This is a direct effect of just that. I know most people will get riled by this statement, but that is just a fact. What most people here need to do -- is take a couple of steps back and ask themselves a question -- Why 6 out of 8 teams are reluctant to tour Pakistan but do not have an problem to tour elsewhere. And they need to be open minded and realistic when they search for an answer to that. Most people here will get engulfed in their nationalistic flame and say -- "Oh we are being singled out. Teams dont like us". Blah Blah Blah and Blah Blah and Blah. Think about it -- what has Haroon Lorgat and ICC got to gain by sidelining Pakistan, if anything they stand to lose. When an English Journalist was asked by Sambit Bal about the double standards and I quote In the Chennai Test, which England gallantly returned to play after the Mumbai terror attacks, I asked an English journalist why Western players and boards should not be accused of double standards in dealing with security situations in India and Pakistan. His reply was simple, but chilling. It took the terrorists months of preparations to do what they did in Mumbai, he reckoned, but in Pakistan there lurks the danger of someone merely driving in with a van laden with explosives at an hour's notice. It was simplistic, and perhaps exaggerated, but it's a perception the Pakistan Cricket Board can neither fight nor ignore. That is exactly how the whole world feels about Pakistan and you simply cannot ignore that.

ask tht journalist if hes ever even heard about col purohit singh, hindutva, shiv sena, deccan mujahideen, indian mujahideen, kashmiri freedom fighters, naxalites, tamil nationalists, students islamic movement of india, khalistan movement, shiv sena, bal thackery, bajrang dal. all these groups can blow something up within minutes.
tht journalist was right abt the month long planning of mumbai though. it must have taken the indian governemnt months to fabricate evidence and record forced confessions

reason for not touring: same as 10 years ago, no booze, no bars, no nightclubs, and some of the players(especially rednecks from OZ) are not culturally literate enuff to understand that other ways of life exist on planet earth too .

[Gabbar Singh]

“Self-pity is easily the most destructive of the nonpharmaceutical narcotics; it is addictive, gives momentary pleasure and separates the victim from reality.”

John W. Gardner

circumstances pass, Pakistan is a cricketing giant with a rich history and tradition in the game.

Things will eventually come good and until then the pcb should make what it can from a bad situation - ie- use neutral venues, take what tours it can etc.

[pjkilla]

Originally Posted by waqar akram if u dont get to play matches how the hell can u WIN matches. i admit we lost an ODI series to sri lanka but india lost a test series to ONE MAN mendis, how come their credibilty doesnt go down?. simple: BULLY UR WAY INTO EVERY SITUATION, and if that fails then there is no lie a good dose of INDIAN MEDIA PROPOGANDA cant turn into truth. i remember being 11 yrs old at the start of the 99 WC and the indian media hype over their team was so intense that i though srinath was the best swinger of the ball at the moment and that the indian team was the best in the world(this notion was instantly dispelled after the sharjah cup right before the wc99). i laugh till my ribs hurt now tht i think of how naive i was to actually belive them. 10 years on and the indian media still hasnt grown up . if anything it has actually become sillier. they now try to paint a country with a lower per capita income than a "failed state" as a superpower.

Thats total BS
You think just because they lose one series they lose their credibility
India since then have put up some extremely good performances

regarding the Indian media, its the 1st to point fingers at the Indian team if anything goes wrong, they just like to create excitement to gain viewers, so don't read too much into that


pure hater talk

[waqar akram]

Originally Posted by thugacation Thats total BS You think just because they lose one series they lose their credibility India since then have put up some extremely good performances regarding the Indian media, its the 1st to point fingers at the Indian team if anything goes wrong, they just like to create excitement to gain viewers, so don't read too much into that pure hater talk

relax dude. dont be so touchy each time someone mentions india.
i was making a point about the hype your media creates about eveything.
im not exactly a hater. i do hate india, but not indian cricket. cricket is the same even if israel plays

[iafzal]

Not just the world but even we are laughing every day on this circus

[Big Harvey]

In recent times there has been plenty to laugh at (or cry at if you're a Pakistan fan) in the way Pakistan cricket is run.

However, much the same applies to English cricket under Giles Clarke. In 2005, cricket reached a level of popularity in England probably not seen for 100 years or more.

By selling exclusive TV rights to a subscription-only satellite channel, he reduced the game's exposure. By overseeing rip-off ticket prices he ensured empty seats in Test grounds for the first time in years. By endorsing the Stanford fiasco he cheapened our sport and turned English cricket into an international joke, causing the majority of the Barmy Army to cheer for the opposition in protest - not that most of them would lower themselves so far as to actually attend! Cricket now has about the same profile here as it did when we were below Zimbabwe in the Test rankings. It has taken Clarke less than 4 years to achieve this. What's more, it's just been announced that this joker is being re-elected unopposed, so there's even more of it to come.

If Pakistan cricket is a laughing stock, you're far from being alone.

[observer1]

This should be an indication that nobody cares about Pakistan unless it benefits them.

Just like on Real Life

[AZ]

dunno about being laughed it, but Pakistan cricket is certainly being cast away and made to look unimportant

[Inswinger]

Its time we took a stand.
Reinstate the ICL "rebels".
Bar the players from playing in the IPL.
Put together a strong team and beat the top teams at neutral venues.

[kingusama92]

We need to have a look at ourselves before criticizing the rest of the world. I know that the ICC has played a huge role in the downfall of Pakistan cricket financially but that doesn't mean the PCB is not at fault. We have had pathetic administrators who simply don't know how to run the board. They have sent mixed signals at every crucial juncture instead of standing firm and making one firm decision.

The loss of the Champions' Trophy was simply because of the PCB first saying that they want to play the Aussie series at a neutral venue, and yet still wanting to play the Champions' trophy at home. That is setting a bad precedent and sending the wrong message to already reluctant boards about what to do with this situation.

Financially the new decision helps out Pakistan and we will gain money. I think that is the main reason behind the PCB actually agreeing to let the Tourney be hosted in a country like Sri Lanka or wherever they decide to shift it to. I hope that there isn't anymore bad news in regards to countries not wanting to tour Pakistan, but knowing the PCB and the cronies that run it, we will yet again witness some sort of bad news that will blow us out of the water and keep this forum attracting new members

[the Great Khan]

dont worry the last time a western team laughed at us was in 2005 after the ashes!! and look waht we did to that bunch of clowns! made my day...

Pakistan have a history of playing better when we are the under dogs, the laughed at, the pariahs!!....we will succeed again and make no bones about it sooner or later we'll be doing the laughing!!...patience is key...a good captain with a good group of mitivated players can do wonders and Inshallh yk will!!...

then Ill bump this thread up!

[Cheguvera]

Originally Posted by Ghoshtbuster Solution is pretty simple, we pick our best players (not letting any greasebags dictate) and play wherever. Thats what we are, a cricket team. You can well up and shed a tear at perceived social/cultural/national injustice - but its just a game. Lets play it.

Slight problem...nobody's willing to even play you at their shores...Granted we had Australia bailing in 2008...how come there were no overseas series in all of last year?????????

[Ghoshtbuster]

Originally Posted by Cheguvera Slight problem...nobody's willing to even play you at their shores...Granted we had Australia bailing in 2008...how come there were no overseas series in all of last year?

Future Tours Plan is created in advance, so we had a low cricket schedule for 2008 anyway which became exaggerated with withdrawals. 2009, atleast on paper, looks much better - so lets play.

[Wasim_Waqar]

I certainly agree that if you don't play, you can't do much.

Players will only perform if you play a decent amount and cannot perform miracles when they play after ages away from internationals.

Pakistan need to look at the PCB and firstly stop the ad-hoc system that existed in cricket since 1999. Then we might get somewhere.

Also, the players that are doing rubbish for so long must be removed and a chance given to younger guys. What's the point winning u19 Cups if they never play for the senior team?

It hurts to see test cricket and mention of SA, India, Aus and England and SL without Pakistan being mentioned.

[Mythsmoke]

Just play...they will come.

[DavidH]

Originally Posted by the Great Khan dont worry the last time a western team laughed at us was in 2005 after the ashes!! and look waht we did to that bunch of clowns! made my day... Pakistan have a history of playing better when we are the under dogs, the laughed at, the pariahs!!....we will succeed again and make no bones about it sooner or later we'll be doing the laughing!!...patience is key...a good captain with a good group of mitivated players can do wonders and Inshallh yk will!!... then Ill bump this thread up!

It's stuff like this that emphasises why the Ashes are so popular. Playing against cricket jihadists is so tiresome.

[Random Aussie]

Originally Posted by waqar akram reason for not touring: same as 10 years ago, no booze, no bars, no nightclubs, and some of the players(especially rednecks from OZ) are not culturally literate enuff to understand that other ways of life exist on planet earth too .

I do not buy that, I am sure they can get a drink in the hotel if they want one.

[siddharth]

If bars and booze are the issues ,why did they come before 1998 and 2005.

[pjkilla]

Originally Posted by Big Harvey In recent times there has been plenty to laugh at (or cry at if you're a Pakistan fan) in the way Pakistan cricket is run. However, much the same applies to English cricket under Giles Clarke. In 2005, cricket reached a level of popularity in England probably not seen for 100 years or more. By selling exclusive TV rights to a subscription-only satellite channel, he reduced the game's exposure. By overseeing rip-off ticket prices he ensured empty seats in Test grounds for the first time in years. By endorsing the Stanford fiasco he cheapened our sport and turned English cricket into an international joke, causing the majority of the Barmy Army to cheer for the opposition in protest - not that most of them would lower themselves so far as to actually attend! Cricket now has about the same profile here as it did when we were below Zimbabwe in the Test rankings. It has taken Clarke less than 4 years to achieve this. What's more, it's just been announced that this joker is being re-elected unopposed, so there's even more of it to come. If Pakistan cricket is a laughing stock, you're far from being alone.

Yup that was a really poor move, I always used to watch England matches all the time when it was on Ch 4, but don't bother subscribing to sky sports to watch England

[Mythsmoke]

Originally Posted by siddharth If bars and booze are the issues ,why did they come before 1998 and 2005.

the social condition of the occidental world is now more defined by these two cultural flagposts more than ever.

[Random Aussie]

Originally Posted by Mythsmoke the social condition of the occidental world is now more defined by these two cultural flagposts more than ever.

[Mythsmoke]

Originally Posted by Random Aussie

just sayin...that bars and booze now defines more than ever.

[siddharth]

Originally Posted by Mythsmoke just sayin...that bars and booze now defines more than ever.

Like what a sudden change from 2005 to 2009 ?

[Random Aussie]

Originally Posted by Mythsmoke just sayin...that bars and booze now defines more than ever.

As I said before, I highly doubt they cannot drink in the hotel bar.

Don't agree that lack of booze and bars is a significant factor at all.

[Mythsmoke]

Originally Posted by siddharth Like what a sudden change from 2005 to 2009 ?

er.....yeah?

[crichassan]

obviously yes.

[crichassan]

not only laugh but pakistan fame is dicreasing day by day.

[mali9]

Originally Posted by shabs100 Fact of the matter is, since no one wants anythign to do with them, pakistan have to force their own recognition onto the world. They can only achieve this through winning.

brother thats what you call a sencible comment i wanted to say the same thing, your comments makes sense, look who wants to play zimbabwe, bangladesh, canada and lol no one becuase thy are not standard teams, its a sad and hard truth to admit that our team is not far away from these teams i just menstioned, pcb has to do something very quickly or else in a year or so even bangalies gonna be better than us.

[waqar akram]

Originally Posted by siddharth If bars and booze are the issues ,why did they come before 1998 and 2005.

because that was before the war on terrorism. now they have an excuse.

[Random Aussie]

Originally Posted by waqar akram because that was before the war on terrorism. now they have an excuse.

[kasoo10]

Originally Posted by shabs100 Fact of the matter is, since no one wants anythign to do with them, pakistan have to force their own recognition onto the world. They can only achieve this through winning.

This is what I wanted to say. Management can do just a little bit. It is the players who make you count. If we keep loosing everyone will walk over us. Winning is the only way to get recognized.

[IronMan2009]

I am surprised lot of people sound in unison when they say winning more matches will increase the possibility of teams visiting Pakistan. I think they have no connection. NZ and WI have been losing left and right yet countries do visit them. It is a completely a different set of reasons that are not related to cricket that is causing isolation of Pakistan cricket. It is a sad scenario. But PCB can salvage a lot by arranging a lot more away tours. Especially Test matches.

[desi_larka420]

Originally Posted by siddharth If bars and booze are the issues ,why did they come before 1998 and 2005.

Well I can answer your question for uptill 2003...... pakistan pitches are horrible, no clubs for the players, no booze, plenty of high quality hashish thou, but regardless they use to come because we where the 2nd best team and ocassionly the best, we without a doubt had the best balling attack in the world, Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib, Razzaq, Saqlain etc......... so basically Pakistan was the team to beat but now that's not the case unfortunately.

[desi_larka420]

Originally Posted by IronMan2009 I am surprised lot of people sound in unison when they say winning more matches will increase the possibility of teams visiting Pakistan. I think they have no connection. NZ and WI have been losing left and right yet countries do visit them. It is a completely a different set of reasons that are not related to cricket that is causing isolation of Pakistan cricket. It is a sad scenario. But PCB can salvage a lot by arranging a lot more away tours. Especially Test matches.

Well each country has to have some sort of attraction...... New Zealand and West Indies have beatiful beaches, they have booze, west indies has good outdoor organic ganja......... but unfortunately Pakistan has nothing to be honest....... at one point we had a great team that attracted but now thats not the case.

[desi_larka420]

Originally Posted by Random Aussie As I said before, I highly doubt they cannot drink in the hotel bar. Don't agree that lack of booze and bars is a significant factor at all.

No they really can't possessing alcohol is a crime in Pakistan let alone drinking it, Pakistan has bootleg liqour mostly and mostly fake brands of whiskey....... I'm not saying they can't but all I am saying is it's not as easy as you think........... my only point is........ before they use to come regardless of the lack of "pleasures" (alcohol/bars/night clubs etc......) because our team had greats, and we had the best balling attack in the world

[Random Aussie]

Originally Posted by desi_larka420 No they really can't possessing alcohol is a crime in Pakistan let alone drinking it, Pakistan has bootleg liqour mostly and mostly fake brands of whiskey....... I'm not saying they can't but all I am saying is it's not as easy as you think........... my only point is........ before they use to come regardless of the lack of "pleasures" (alcohol/bars/night clubs etc......) because our team had greats, and we had the best balling attack in the world

So if you are a foreigner in a 5 star hotel in Pakistan you cannot get a beer?
There is no bar?

[Poison]

RA dont listen to the majority of these jokers. Legitimate reasons for pullout, which Australia and other nations have had before. Has nothing to do with booze etc. I'm pretty sure if they wanted it that badly, they could quite easily get it. And as if they can't survive a month or so without a drink.

[Big Harvey]

Originally Posted by Random Aussie So if you are a foreigner in a 5 star hotel in Pakistan you cannot get a beer? There is no bar?

If the hotel allows alcohol on its premises, you can order a beer through room service (unless you're a Muslim, although whether the staff at a 5* hotel would ask questions is another matter). However you can only drink it in your room, not in public.

Non-Muslims in most parts of Pakistan (including tourists) can apply to the local government for an alcohol permit, which entitles the holder to purchase a monthly allowance of alcohol from a "permit room." The allowance is actually quite generous. The idea of the monthly limit appears to be to stop the holder buying ridiculous amounts and selling it on at a profit to Muslims. Once again though, you have to discreetly take it away with you, and not drink it in public.

Whilst I'm sure Pakistan probably has illegal bars and drinking dens, the only legal one I know of is at an expats' club in Lahore. It's not easy to find and it doesn't advertise its presence, but the England team knows about it, because I've seen some of them in there.

[Savak]

Night clubs are missing in Pakistan. Every foreign player after a long day in the field likes to go out at night for shopping or go to a night club to relax. The England team when they came to Pakistan in 2005 remained locked up in their hotel rooms and eventually it was going to get to them which it did.

These people need to get out more often in Pakistan.

[Big Harvey]

Originally Posted by Savak Night clubs are missing in Pakistan. Every foreign player after a long day in the field likes to go out at night for shopping or go to a night club to relax. The England team when they came to Pakistan in 2005 remained locked up in their hotel rooms and eventually it was going to get to them which it did. These people need to get out more often in Pakistan.

True.

To be fair, they did go and visit the eathquake zone (our tour there happened just a short time after the terrible earthquake in the North of the country), which was a nice gesture, and helped to keep the plight of the victims in the news a little bit longer. However, I heard there was a sightseeing tour organised for the players, including the famous ceremony at the Indian border, and only a handful opted to go.

If you refuse to get out and experience the country you're touring, whose fault is it when you start suffering from cabin fever?

[siccric]

Originally Posted by Big Harvey True. To be fair, they did go and visit the eathquake zone (our tour there happened just a short time after the terrible earthquake in the North of the country), which was a nice gesture, and helped to keep the plight of the victims in the news a little bit longer. However, I heard there was a sightseeing tour organised for the players, including the famous ceremony at the Indian border, and only a handful opted to go. If you refuse to get out and experience the country you're touring, whose fault is it when you start suffering from cabin fever?

Exactly. Pakistan has places to visit. Yes, there are no nightclubs here but there is a lot to do. If they get the jitters leaving their hotel rooms, there is nothing neither we nor them can do.

[DavidH]

Whilst I'm sure Pakistan probably has illegal bars and drinking dens, the only legal one I know of is at an expats' club in Lahore. It's not easy to find and it doesn't advertise its presence, but the England team knows about it, because I've seen some of them in there.

Members and their guests only or do they let any old riff-raff in? And women, too? What about the dress code? Tell me there's a snooker table.

[Savak]

Originally Posted by DavidH Members and their guests only or do they let any old riff-raff in? And women, too? What about the dress code? Tell me there's a snooker table.

If you want to have a good time in Pakistan, then better start building some good contacts or atleast getting to know people. There may be no nighclubs in Pakistan but you can get too know people who provide you with most of the things you find in clubs by attending private parties for e.g. Alcohol, drugs, snooker, pool table e.t.c.

[DavidH]

Are there many snooker clubs in India and Pakistan? The game seems quite popular in other parts of Asia.

[Ghoshtbuster]

there are snooker/pool tables even in most pinds. Not so much "clubs" because the hot weather means the tables can be placed outdoors.