It was semi-finals day when I woke up on Tuesday, excited about the prospect of finishing off the HBL Pakistan Super League on a high over the two following days.

I felt grateful to be part of such an historic event in Pakistan’s sporting history, and it was great to see how the people of this country supported it with packed houses everywhere we went.

I was in the hotel lift on the way down to the café to pick up a cappuccino for me and a vanilla latte for Erin Holland, when I sensed something was different.

It was almost 11:30, time for the commentators to leave to the ground, but nobody was moving.

I know what cricket’s usual knock-out match tension feels like, but this was different. I got our coffees and was busy chatting with Erin when we were called together by production bosses, and informed that the League would proceed no further.

Corona Virus beats Cricket

For a moment, I wasn’t sure that what I’d heard was what I heard. How could we not move forward?

Even with closed stadiums and strong precautions taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board, the Corona virus had finally impacted the PSL, with a player in isolation back home after experiencing symptoms.

We took our final team picture and suddenly it hit. The single biggest sporting event to take Pakistan since the Cricket World Cup in 1996 was over.

The event had inspired a whole new generation, and given hope to another generation once denied, and it was incredible to be there to experience the first all-Pakistan hosted PSL tournament.

PCB Prioritises Health

But as soon as the announcement was made, it was clear that cricket took a backseat in favour of the health interests of everyone concerned. The PCB prioritised Corona Virus testing for the teams, staff and media personnel, which started within an hour of the League postponement.

I decided to get tested because it was the responsible thing to do, considering I was coming home to three young children. The nose swab is slightly uncomfortable, but over in a minute.

As we were all awaiting testing, the scramble for flights was on with news spreading of international governments clamping down on travel, and alerts of borders closing around the world.

I am grateful to the PCB for getting us on flights as soon as possible. Considering test results would take between 24-48 hours, I knew I couldn’t go directly home to my family, and would need to self-isolate until results came.

Rush to get Home

I took every precaution to practice social distancing, and wore a mask on the return flights and through the various airports on the way.

Then some good news at the last moment: With about two hours to go on my flight to Joburg, I received confirmation that my Corona virus test results had come back all clear, which meant I could go directly home to my family. It was the best news I could receive and I couldn’t wait to get home.

Hats of the South African government for the steps they are taking to restrict travel and ensure that passengers are screened twice, once on the plane, and again at passport control. Anyone travelling from severely affected countries have to fill out a form declaring details of their travels.

I got through with no issue and rushed home to surprise the kids. They say its my best surprise ever, we’d kept my return quiet as we didn’t know what would face us on our return, and they were only expecting me home in a week’s time.

Big Decisions

But decisions around my return were already in our minds at least a week earlier, once the stories about CV-19 impacting international sport – and life in general – became widespread. Once we made the decision to keep my children home from school, I was under pressure to leave the HBL PSL to return home.

But my decision to stay was informed by latest information received from the SA Embassy in Pakistan, guidance from the PCB and honest discussions with my family back home about wanting to see out this work opportunity and play my part in ensuring a successful return of cricket to Pakistan.

I am glad I stayed and that despite the ending which prevented the semi-finals and final from taking place, Pakistan cricket has been united again, thanks to huge crowds who flocked to stadiums in Multan, Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore in support of the HBL PSL.

That crowd support was my biggest highlight, and gave me strength.

Well done to Sportzworks for bringing together such a diverse group of commentators and presenters who gelled and became a family in a short period of time. The women on the team bonded like I have never experienced before, and life-long friendships have been formed.

Hospitality in Pakistan

The most heart-warming part about being in Pakistan is the hospitality of people wherever you go.

Visiting family homes and being welcomed with open arms. Pakistani food is so tasty and when it is home-cooked, it is truly satisfying.

After an awesome time in Islamabad, I returned to Lahore, where I hooked up with my good friends, Aamir and Alya Sohail, and saw the city from a whole new perspective.

I enjoyed checking out local eateries in Lahore, one stand-out was when Alya invited me to Rina’s Kitchenette, a cute pavement-style double story café with a great menu and wonderful ambience.

Speaking of good hangouts, Zainab Abbas took me to The Pantry with her mom, who I was honoured to meet for the first time. A cute spot for a sweet treat and delicious tea and coffee.

Six of the Best, Lahore!

With social distancing the big talking point, I tried to keep associations with big gatherings down to a minimum, and so the idea of #SixOFTheBest in Lahore sounded like a great idea. I usually try to gather six of the best cricket fans whenever I am on tour around the world.

The last time was in Mumbai, and this time around I got to engage with leading figures in Pakistan sport. Thank you to my good friend, Munawar Hussain, who organised the gathering at the impressive Lahore Gymkhana. Podcast coming soon!

Promoting Women in Sport

I also made time during the HBL Pakistan Super League to interview leading Pakistan women in cricket. Those podcasts will be published by gsport4girls, who you should follow for great coverage of women in sport.

What my first trip to Pakistan taught me is that perception is reality and unless we foreigners start telling better stories about this great country, a whole lot of good will be lost to the international market.

There are great stories to be told. Let’s be part of the change and encourage others to do so too. I look forward to returning to Pakistan for many years to come.

But for now: Khuda Hafiz, Pakistan!

 

Read my blogs while in Pakistan:

My First Week in Pakistan

The Jonty Rhodes Way

Khoobsurat Pakistan

My Pakistan

 

Photo 1 Caption: Ready for the PSL5 Semi-Finals in Lahore on Tuesday, 17 March, 2020.

Photo 2 Caption: Vanilla latte for Erin Holland and cappuccino for me.

Photo 3 caption: Michael Slater and I pictured with Zainab Abbas, the face of Pakistan cricket.

Photo 4 caption: Girl power with Alya Sohail.

Photo 5 caption: Clockwise from top left are Tariq Saeed, Munawar Hussain, Raja Asad Ali Khan, Najam Latif, Syed Ahmad Falki, Kass Naidoo, Mueen Afzal and Shamsa Hashmi.