KARACHI: Even Najam Sethi, the PCB chairman, wouldn’t have envisaged how the now-concluding Twenty20 International series would unfold while announcing the details of West Indies’ brief trip to Pakistan in Dubai on March 10.

Naturally, the Karachiites were quite excited about international cricket making a return to their city for nine years of isolation and the news of National Stadium hosting the three fixtures was welcomed with open arms and ray of hope for the future as well.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was vocal in stating that had Chris Gayle been playing here, the scenario would had been a huge contrast both in terms of competition and interest among the masses.

“There is no doubt in my mind that if Chris Gayle had come here there would have been tremendous following for this series. Instead of watching lopsided matches, the spectators, who would have jam-packed the stadium, got their money’s worth,” Razzaq said while talking to Dawn on the eve of Tuesday’s inconsequential third and final game.

Razzaq, who is PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators’ assistant coach, lauded the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s efforts in restoring international cricket back in Karachi for the first time since 2009.

“I think the PCB deserves a lot of credit in ensuring international matches are played in Karachi this time. The message worldwide to go from here will encourage other countries to send over their teams to Pakistan. First Lahore and now Karachi have proved Pakistan is as safe as any other country to play cricket,” he commented.

“The Pakistan Super League final last week was a wonderful occasion for the cricket-starved people of Karachi. The West Indies series further cemented this city’s status as a regular venue from now onward. Personally, I had always enjoyed playing here and have some great memories. I’m sure they would be lot of international matches played in the future because I feel Karachi is a peaceful city nowadays.”

Meanwhile, the last game drew a sizeable crowd — unofficial figures quoted by a PCB official at 25,000 — despite being a dead-rubber match. The response of Karachiites in the face of hurdles created by stringent security measures has been quite brilliant.

On way to the stadium on all three days of this series, one saw spectators of different age groups making to the venue either through the provided shuttle service or taking a long walk from the Civic Centre/Expo Centre which are roughly one kilometre away.

“This is one aspect, both the PCB and local administration must address because the paying public deserves to be respected when they come to the matches. Tough [security] measures can be intimidating but things can improve if those in control [of the situation] show more leniency and are more friendly with the spectators,” an elderly fan said.

“I’m a retired professor but I had to accompany three of my grandchildren who are cricket-crazy. And this being the first such occasion after a long time, they insisted I should also come for the match. My request to the authorities is to provide more facilities for the fans when next time matches are held here.”

And despite Pakistan overwhelmingly dominating the visiting side, the series have generated tremendous interest, which augurs well for this city of 21 million with the National Stadium, for the time being, offering a roofless appearance under the night skies but has cricket flourished over the past three days just as West Indies decided to bat for the first time in the series after Jason Mohammed won his second toss.

While Pakistan awarded left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi his maiden cap and recalled Usman Khan Shinwari in place of Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali, West Indies brought in Andre McCarthy, leaving seamer Kesrick Williams to induct the uncapped all-rounder from Jamaica.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2018