LAHORE: Police whisked Pakistan’s Twenty20 World Cup-winning team away from jubilant fans at Lahore airport yesterday citing security fears in a city recently targeted by Taleban militants.
The squad returned home and were rushed from another terminal, bypassing hundreds of fans who wanted to greet the players with music and garlands.
“We changed the plan for the team because of security reasons and drove the team to the national cricket academy in a special bus,” police official Umar Virk told reporters outside the airport.
The Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked in Lahore in March, devastating Pakistan’s already-tainted reputation as safe international cricket host.
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the final at Lord’s on Sunday to clinch the World Twenty20 title — their second major victory in the sport after winning the 50-over World Cup in Australia in 1992.
All-rounders Shahid Afridi, Fawad Alam and Abdul Razzaq did not return as they had prior commitments in England, while captain Younus Khan arrived in the southern port city Karachi to a rapturous reception. Coach Intikhab Alam agreed that fans in Lahore should have been given a chance to welcome the players.
“I too a.m. disappointed for the fans because they had come to welcome us so early in the day,” Alam told reporters.
“I hope that there is a reception so that fans get a chance to see their players. They deserve this as they were the ones who prayed day and night for the team.” Alam, who was also team coach during the 1992 triumph, said the victory would help Pakistan push their case to stage World Cup 2011 matches.
“By winning this title we have pushed our case to get our 2011 World Cup matches back,” said Alam. “The team did very well when it mattered and beat formidable sides like South Africa and Sri Lanka in the last two matches.”
The International Cricket Council stripped Pakistan of its share of World Cup matches in April this year, citing uncertain security in Pakistan following the attack on the Sri Lankan team. Pakistan tried to get the matches back through talks that failed in London last week, and are now taking legal action to have the matches reinstated.
Speaking to the private Geo television channel, captain Younus showed disappointment over comments by the former chief selector Abdul Qadir, who recently resigned, that he was not a Twenty20 player. “I think I proved my worth as I finished top scorer for Pakistan in the tournament. But I still maintain that a player’s abilities cannot be gauged in a Twenty20 match,” said Younus.
Paceman Umar Gul, the tournament’s most successful bowler with 13 wickets, said he was happy with his performance.
“I am thankful to almighty Allah for blessing me with success,” said Gul. “I had a plan and I stuck to it which is very pleasing.” Wicket-keeper batsman Kamran Akmal said the team is happy to bring joy to Pakistan.
“The biggest achievement for the team is that they have brought smiles back to the faces,” said Akmal, adding: “We have overcome the disappointment of losing to India in the 2007 final.”
Newcomer Mohammad Aamir said he was delighted to be part of the winning team: “It is like dream come true for me.” President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani have promised big reception for the team before they leave for a tour of Sri Lanka later this week.
