Question is - did Cheema block the batsman deliberatley from coming back for a 2nd run? I recall Tendulkar was run out when Bret Lee blocked him, while Hussey blocked a throw with his hands to prevent from getting run out. Both times decisions went Aussie way.
While we are talking sportsmanship, I am curious if Cheema actually did try to block the BD batsman. If he did, protest is valid, regardless of the outcome. If he did not, it looks like BD is trying to make something up.
So what does the objective Pakistani fan think happened?
I think the second run wasn’t on at all and this is what Cheema thought. Gul has a strong arm and mahmudullah would most probably been run out attempting the second run. If you see, the other batsman wasn’t keen on second run either.
PCB did a lot of stupid things over the years. The cricket team and fans shouldn’t really get the heat for stupid decisions by boards, unless they approve of those decisions.
Objectively, If I am a Bangla player, I would not want to visit Pakistan. Fool proof security or not, it hasn’t been long that cricket players actually suffered bullet and shrapnel wounds and there is not much evidence of improved law and order situation in the country. It would have been their stupidity or greed to have earlier agreed without consulting the players first.
As a Pakistani, I would still not want international high profile sports in Pakistan as yet as well. True, we are suffering but there is too much at stake. Too many countries, nations, factions, sects, militias are in the region as of now, each with their own agendas. We don’t even know who is enemy and who is a friend. A tiny (by Pakistani standards) unfortunate incident happening to Bangladesh team would send forward prospects of any international events happening here many more years.
At least going by what I saw with my own two eyes. In fact, Afridi’s block was much worse, if we’re going by this.