In around the country and the world at large a deep sense of gloom has descended over the tragic death of over 53,000 persons and another over 80,000 sustaining injuries. At the same time, almost three million people have been rendered homeless. A sum of over US $5 billion would be required to repair the damaged infrastructure.
The sub-continent reputed to cricketing-mad buff would have a majority of their people highly engrossed in the cricket matches especially after England's recent Ashes victory over traditional rivals and world champions Australia.
By most accounts, the cricket matches would side track the people's attention from the ongoing relief operations and collection of money for the President's Relief Fund for the Earthquake Victims as well as much need aid for the survivors.
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) supremo Shaharyar Mohammad Khan on October 20 handed over a cheque of US $860,000 to President Pervez Musharraf for the relief fund.
The England squad is due in Rawalpindi toady and the full itinerary is as follows:
October31-November 2: Three-day warm-up match at Rawalpindi.
November 6-8: Three-day warm-up match at Lahore.
November 12-16: First Test Match at Multan.
Nov20-24 Second Test Match at Faisalabad.
November 29-December 3: Third Test Match at Lahore.
December 7: One-day Warm-up match at Lahore.
December 10: First one-day international at Lahore.
December 12: Second one-day international at Lahore.
December 15: Third one-day international at Karachi.
December 19: Fourth one-day international at Rawalpindi.
December 21: Fifth one-day international at Rawalpindi.
Despite, the somber mood prevailing in the country, it would be hazadarous to call off the tour at the eleventh hour as the PCB had already signed sponsorship deal of $1 million. And by far, it would be almost impossible to wriggle out of these contracts without incurring substantcials losses.
Nonetheless, there is a silver lining to this dilemma, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have assured the host that their cricketers would play a large role in generating funds for the earthquake victims.