In Pakistan, sports isolation proves hard sell

With five sons, four daughters and a wife to feed, Mohammad Rasheed has become a casualty of Pakistan’s descent into the sporting wilderness.

Rasheed used to make a comfortable living selling sweets and nuts to the crowds which would pack Pakistan’s grounds to watch Test match cricket and international field hockey.

But now the stadiums stand empty as teams refuse to tour - and tournaments are quickly shifted away from - this frontline state in the fight against Islamist militants.

The 44-year-old Rasheed, who sells maize (Channa) and nuts from a small tray was a common sight at most Pakistani stadiums.

Crowds sought him out as much for his rotund figure and good humour as his collection of dry fruits.

Cricket and hockey have been Rasheed’s passion as well as his livelihood.

In between selling his goods on the terraces, he’d catch a glimpse of his favourite players - two joys for the price of one.

“Cricket is my first love,” said Rasheed. “I have sold Channa and Phulli (maize and nuts) at every stadium, be it cricket ground, hockey or football arena. I’d watch my favourite players and earn good profits.”

But the March 3 attacks on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore have put paid to any immediate hopes of Pakistan hosting international sport in the immediate future.

The gun and grenade attack wounded seven members of the Sri Lankan team, along with their assistant coach. Eight Pakistanis were killed.

On Wednesday, Pakistan meet Australia on neutral territory - playing the first of five one-day matches and Twenty20 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

International teams have classified Pakistan a no-go zone ever since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, which unleashed the so-called war on terror in neighbouring Afghanistan.

KARACHI, AFP