Cricket and terrorism

It would be naive to hope that sport could escape the ugly world of politics. The on-off South African cricket tour to Pakistan is a reminder that all is not well, no matter how much those of us who are sports fans like to switch off from other happenings.

South Africa is not alone in having jitters about visiting the troubled region. Last year New Zealand pulled out midway after a bomb near the team's hotel killed 11 French engineers. Australia and the West Indies have also backed off.

The Pakistanis are a wonderfully passionate cricketing nation, represented by gifted, mercurial players. Every effort must be made to keep them well represented in the international game.

But not at the risk of anyone's life.

-- The Citizen, Johannesburg, South Africa