7:caption
The world of cricket has undoubtedly been affected badly due to the COVID-19 situation in the last couple of years. Although international cricket is back on track, the pandemic has taken a huge toll on domestic cricket across the globe. Even India have had to struggle in these tough times with BCCI continuously looking to find ways to get everything back to normal.
However, things have turned seriously bad across the border. Although cricket has resumed in Pakistan, most of the matches have been played in Lahore and Karachi. Amid all this, other venues across the country seemed to have lost the attention and maintenance which has resulted in a shocking turn of events at a stadium in Khanewal.
Example of sheer negligence by authorities
In a video going viral on social media, the tragic story of Khanewal Cricket Stadium located in the Punjab Province of Pakistan has been covered by ARY News. As per their claim, millions of rupees were spent to build the stadium with the aim to encourage cricketers to take up the sport. The stadium also has a proper practice area, pavilion, ground and all the basic requirements needed.
However, the authorities have neglected the facility as the stadium is now being controlled by the farmers who have turned it into a vegetable land. The cricket venue, which was originally built to promote the game and serve as training ground for the local cricketers, is now being used to grows chillies and gourds.
Watch the video here:
Pakistan need to maintain the stadiums with cricket returning to nation
The world of cricket has once again started to tour Pakistan and PCB need to make sure that the doors which have been opened should not be shut once again. With teams like New Zealand, England and Australia set to travel to Pakistan in coming months, it is going to be a crucial period for the national side and the governing council.
To keep the momentum going, PCB would certainly need to ensure that the nation has more than two world-class facilities apart from the ones in Lahore and Karachi. The story of Khanewal should act as an eye-opener for the authorities to be more responsible from now on and to ensure that they provide facilities to young budding cricketers as well in order to develop the game in the grassroots.