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Everyone associated with sports in Pakistan has been facing two big problems. One off the field, due to the political tensions and unrest which has changed civilian lives for bad and sports in such a time becomes second priority. Specifically, Pakistan Cricket Board has struggled to host cricket in their country. All matches hosted by PCB were taking place mostly in the UAE until recently.
The other battle being faced by Pakistan cricket is of course COVID-19. With the pandemic causing too much harm within the bio-bubble environment in several of the tournaments hosted by Pakistan, there is apprehension among the fans and players and officials alike. Several COVID cases have emerged within the camps after sports persons were completely vaccinated and are now even administered booster shots.
READ MORE: Australia set to tour Pakistan for first time in 24 years; full schedule announced
Amid all this, it should be noted that Australia is set to Pakistan for the first time in 24 years. However recent reports suggest that the Australian squad was extremely nervous for the same as security has been an issue in this part of the world in the past. Using an informal term, a source closed to the squad mentioned,"We're all toey about it."
Notably, there is barely a month to go for the tour. Australia is scheduled to play three tests, three ODIs and one T20I match starting from March 3. Some nations have toured Pakistan in the recent past amid the growing security tensions and to their credit, Pakistan have also successfully hosted these tournaments and leagues. Yet Pakistan's interior minister Shiekh Rashid's statement cannot be ignored as he went on record saying that the terrorist incidents had increased by more than a third since the United States withdrew from Afghanistan.
Notably, all preparations are underway for the Pakistan Super League starting from January 27. However, the preparations were interrupted by a bomb blast carried out in a marketplace in Lahore which resulted in 3 deaths and more than 30 injuries. It has been claimed that a blast was done with the agenda of disrupting cricketing action in Pakistan- the domestic franchise-based league as well as the much-awaited Australia's tour of Pakistan.