Friday, October 12, 2001 The International Cricket Council has radiated bright ideas this week; not least its proposal that Pakistan might play their home matches on neutral territory. The knee-jerk reaction to this would be to dismiss it as folly and scoff at the idea of Pakistan giving up home advantage. But that depends on your understanding of home advantage.

It is clear that no cricket board will send a team to Pakistan as long as the attack on Afghanistan continues. Sri Lanka's hastily arranged tour was called off because Pakistan's authorities could not guarantee the safety of their guests, nor could they assure them of a flight home at the first hint of trouble.

I doubt Pakistan's security agencies can guarantee the safety of their own president, let alone a bunch of ball players. That situation is unlikely to change quickly and, if the United States and its allies are to be believed, this instability will prevail throughout the life of the current World Test Championship.

In which case Pakistan's cricket board is duty-bound to look at alternatives -- its players face a lengthy banishment from international cricket and its finances may never recover. Employing the reasoning of Pakistan's president, General Musharraf, the lesser of two evils would be for Pakistan to play their home matches at a neutral venue. Sure, Pakistan would miss their fortresses at Karachi and Lahore, but they are more conquerable than they were. Pakistan have lost series after series at home (the last four in fact) and their record abroad is far superior. On recent evidence, Pakistan have an advantage when they play overseas.

Fans will not be deprived either. Of all the Asian countries, Pakistan attracts the most pitiful crowds for Tests. It matters little if the game is in Karachi or Sharjah when your effort to watch it involves pressing a button on a remote control. Pakistan's short-span fans will miss one-day games more.

Yet we are left with the thorniest issue. Where could Pakistan play? Who would have them? The Asian countries are nearest but are likely to live with the same political uncertainty. Their fans will have too little empathy with Pakistan. Then there is Sharjah, rapidly emerging as the leading contender to become Pakistan's bastion on foreign soil. A broadening conflict will inevitably engulf Arab states too. This might also rule out Morocco, apparently another enticing but surprising candidate.

No, the best option is clear. Neutral venue should not necessarily equate with non-Test-playing nation. There is a natural second home for Pakistan. It is safe from aerial bombardment and anti-Western riots. Its cricket season coincides with large holes in Pakistan's itinerary over the next two years, by which time the future will be clearer. Nor does its season clash with Pakistan's, and the Test schedule could easily revert to normal if the conflict ended quickly. This nirvana also guarantees massive, passionate, and loyal support. Significantly, Pakistan have not lost a series there for 18 years.

Yes, there is only one bolthole for Waqar's team to run to. And that is into the arms of a country that has promised not to abandon Pakistan in the wake of this new Afghan war. Step forward Lord MacLaurin and England. Pakistan expects; can you deliver?

Kamran Abbasi, born in Lahore, brought up in Rotherham, is assistant editor of the British Medical Journal. His Asian View appears on Wisden.com every Friday. More Kamran Abbasi
He's not all that bad
Don't drop the Afghans

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