Error: Unable to create directory /home/demockra/public_html/wp-content/uploads/2010/09. Is its parent directory writable by the server? Will Love of Cricket Spell the End for Terrorism in Pakistan?

Today the BBC news brought word of an attack on the Sri Lankan national cricket team in the Pakistani city of Lahore. A driver and six policemen were killed and eight Sri Lankan players were wounded. They have now returned to Sri Lanka (also in the news today for its looming humanitarian disaster) to their grateful families and fans. This may not be of much significance to Americans who know and care little about cricket. Just another tragic terrorist attack on the other side of the world. Just another sign that Pakistan is a failed state. Just another demonstration of the craziness and ruthlessness of Islamic militants.

But this should be the event that finally turns most Pakistani leaders and public opinion firmly against domestic Islamic terrorists. Though this attack was against the Sri Lankan cricket team, the militants may as well have attacked the Pakistani team since their actions have essentially killed international cricket in Pakistan for the foreseeable future. Since the Mumbai attacks in November (linked to Pakistani militants), India has refused to send its team across the border. Sri Lanka went home without playing and New Zealand is likely to cancel its upcoming trip for fear of a similar attack. It certainly hurts Pakistan’s chances of co-hosting the 2011 Cricket World Cup, as had been planned. As long as violence threatens visiting teams, no one will be motivated to play in Pakistan.

Americans may not understand cricket-playing countries’ obsession with the sport. I can’t think of anything comparable in the US. We just don’t have a national sports team filled with popular superstars that is constantly in the public eye and that is closely and devoutly followed by so many. I have not spent time in Pakistan, but if the public’s fanatical devotion to the national team and players is anything like the Indian public’s (and I have been assured that it is), then denying these national heroes and their rabid fans of the future matches, prestige, and excitement international cricket brings will not be taken lightly. The Pakistani public may be willing to condone or overlook terrorist activity that does not affect them – that is limited to Kashmir, that only takes place in India, or that is in the remote border tribal areas. Attacking militant groups with substantial public support is politically dicey for Asif Ali Zardari’s weak government, and firm action can be difficult to carry out. But will the public and the government be willing to forgive this attack on their beloved sport, and indeed a way of life?

I doubt it. Despite previous suicide attacks, car bombs, and shootouts in Pakistan, today Islamic terrorists may have turned the Pakistani public against them in a way that no one else could have. This attack may finally force Pakistani politicians and the army to firmly crack down on what is a serious domestic threat. What may follow is a true fight for the soul and future of Pakistan – between violent, militant, fundamentalists and average, law-abiding Pakistani citizens. Believe it or not, things could be worse than they are in Pakistan. They may also get worse before they get better. But one can hope that if there is any silver lining to this attack, it is that it will ultimately save Pakistan from falling into the hands of violent fundamentalists. Pakistanis know that publicly stoning adulterers to death is just not as Pakistani as a rousing cricket match.