Terrorists open fire in Orakzai district in Pakistan, leads to abandonment of cricket match

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has successfully hosted international matches in the country in the last couple of years. The board also organised the whole of Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the first time earlier this year only for it to end abruptly due to COVID-19 pandemic. The PCB is also hoping for the teams like England and South Africa to tour Pakistan in the near future.

However, a recent incident in Orakzai district in Pakistan might dent their chances a bit now. A cricket match in the said district had to be stopped after terrorists opened fire at Kohat Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. A large number of spectators were watching the game which was also the final of Amn Cricket tournament at the Dradar Mamazai area in Ismailzai tehsil in the upper part of Orakzai district.

According to The News International, media and political workers were also present at the venue to witness the action. According to the witnesses present at the ground, the terrorists opened fire soon after the match started after which, the organisers had no option but to stop the game.

“No sooner had the match started the terrorists opened indiscriminate firing on the playground from the nearby hills. The players, spectators and journalists saved their lives by fleeing the scene,” a witness said.

No loss of life reported

People present at the ground ran for cover as soon as firing started. Moreover, no casualty has been reported so far in the incident. The Orakzai District Police Officer Nisar Ahmad Khan later confirmed that there were reports of the presence of terrorists in the area. He also said that the police will launch a joint operation with Orakzai Scouts and Frontier Corps now to gun down the terrorists.

It also be remains to be seen now if the this incident has an repercussions on Pakistan’s hopes to host international matches regularly in the country. Last team to visit Pakistan is Bangladesh earlier this year. The second phase of the tour was suspended due to Coronavirus.