By: Areeba Tayyab
With the advancement in cricket tournament happening in Lahore, there are whispers and at times loud screams of common public regarding intolerable traffic jams. In this month of October, the roads are jammed, the nearby schools are closed, and universities are used as parking spots and on top of it the city of Lahore has been illuminated with highly budget lights. Considering the already aggravated inflation in Pakistan, Is cricket serving as a patriotic sports or an uninvited guest irritating the locals and infuriating them to a great deal?
First and foremost, let us consider the situation of traffic in Lahore. There are rickshaws and bikes moving on the sidewalks; the one-way roads are now three -way roads- it seems as if one is living in a virtual reality where are no rules and regulation but one has to prove ‘ Need for speed’. What is extremely unfortunate, is the intolerance of the drivers who are stuck in traffic cursing one another. Upon green light, we see cars accelerating with a great force and speed, at times hitting the next car. The biker consider it their right to peek in every lane without any lights , and the car drivers are not letting go of their horns because they have to shout out to the world that they are stuck and they are getting late. With a population of such intolerable attitude, is cricket really our area of concern right now?
The decor for Sri Lankan team is indeed commendable, but according to Prime Minister Khan, we ought to unite in the time of crisis. Starting a cricket match definitely is not going to help Pakistan in its financial crisis. Not just finances, the political situation in Pakistan is also not very promising, with Mulana Sahab on his way to Islamabad and Bilawal denouncing Sindh for separation, there are likely any chances that cricket can divert the common public’s attention. With nothing to eat, how will the poor react to the very illuminating Lahore? Will they love cricket or curse the supporters of this tournament?
Moving on, cricket needs to be a fascination for the youngsters in Lahore but we see students all tired and confused on the roads, waiting for their Speedo (Bus). After 4:00 pm there is no chance of getting a Speedo bus on your way back. The girls have also decided to stay at their friend’s place or arrange room in the hostels so that our beloved sports can have its full swing at Qadaffi Stadium. It is true that youngsters with all their youth can adjust with this situation, but the problem is with the parents and guardians, who are stuck in traffic just to get their children back home safe. The local community is clean bold and is tired of the fast balls given by the government, simply because it is not easy to adjust in such a short time.
Moreover, one cannot turn a deaf ear towards the increasing inflation and taxes, and local public is already scared of what might come next. The decor for Sri Lankan team is indeed commendable, but according to Prime Minister Khan, we ought to unite in the time of crisis. Starting a cricket match definitely is not going to help Pakistan in its financial crisis. Not just finances, the political situation in Pakistan is also not very promising, with Mulana Sahab on his way to Islamabad and Bilawal denouncing Sindh for separation, there are likely any chances that cricket can divert the common public’s attention. With nothing to eat, how will the poor react to the very illuminating Lahore? Will they love cricket or curse the supporters of this tournament?
It is high time that Government must understand the significance of public sentiment. Cricket may be our weak point for centuries but this huge political and economic turmoil cannot be resolved by a cricket match. Moreover, the government must understand that the majority looks up to it for accountability and justice; any further loop holes or reckless decisions will not tolerated by the public. Thus, the government should focus on relief first and foremost and then look for promotional activities. The public holds a very loving sentiment for the Prime Minister but blocked roads and false budgeting is certainly a clean bold situation.
The writer is Mphil in English Literature and can be reached at [email protected]