Let's be serious for a moment

International cricket is, ultimately, a limited affair. There are really only a handful of countries in the world who view it as a dominant sport. Pakistan is one of these. It is therefore essential that the international cricket community do everything it can to be ensure that cricket doesnt merely survive in Pakistan, but that it remains a source of hope, inspiration and happiness.

So what to make of the tragic events of 3 March?

Well, let's look firstly to a possible silver lining - Pakistan will now surely be more willing to play cricket in neutral venues and, thus, play more cricket full-stop. Of course, this is more of a silver foil lining, because the Pakistani people won't be given the opportunity to watch their players live. But it is something, and 150 million people can't fit into a stadium anyway (a glib comment, but true nonetheless).

This puts a bit of pressure on the international cricketing community. Venues, such as in the UAE would seem logical, but so would venues in England (which has a high expat population). Perhaps Australia, NZ, Bangladesh and others could also offer their services. But this is not enough. You would hope that with these offers of venues, would also come the offer of revenues raised.

Pakistan could and should be offered the gate profits from all such ventures. Now is the time for international cricketing communities to stand up and offer Pakistani cricket kind words, good pitches and some dosh.

But that is also not enough.

Why not capitalise on international good will and also go that step further. Young Pakistani cricketers should also be given the opportunities to develop overseas. Why not offer several scholarships to the Australian and English cricket academies. But better yet, why not offer a Pakistani A side a place in one of the premier domestic competitions in the world - perhaps even, dare we say it, the Sheffield Shield. This would only need to occur for a season or two, but I think it would not help serve Pakistani cricket...but perhaps also Australian cricket and its fans.
For example, why not base the team out of Canberra (who are pushing for a test in the next few years). They'll have a decent fan base, and the success of Pakistani cricketers playing in Australia recently has shown how readily Australians welcome international cricketers.

These suggestions are, I'm sure, going to be joined by a wide number of others, but The Balls just hopes that words are finally met with action. Cricket simply cannot afford to lose a pillar of international cricket.

p.s. The Balls has decided to not refer to India providing any support. This would be wonderful (and possibly a political masterstroke), but their is no real money in it for Indian cricket, so there is no chance it will go ahead.