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Journalism of Courage
As usual, a large security presence was the highlight of the Pakistan cricket team’s arrival for the second ODI here this evening. It not only reflected the state of affairs in Pakistan where a state of emergency has been declared, but also put into perspective the intense pressure under which an Indo-Pak series is played.
The Indian team also touched down this evening. Security personnel escorted the players to their hotel from the airport. Indian vice-captain and local favourite Yuvraj Singh had reached earlier, as had Sachin Tendulkar’s wife Anjali and his kids Arjun and Sarah.
Pakistani openers Salman Butt and Imran Nazir were the first to attempt weaving their way through mediamen and photographers. They were followed by Mohammed Hafiz, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammed Yousuf and Younis Khan.
The Indian team, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni ,reached along with bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad. Sreesanth exchanged a few pleasant words with his fans and Robin Uthappa was seen giving a hotel staff some batting tips.
Captain Shoaib Malik and coach Geoff Lawson headed straight for the PCA Stadium to have a look at the ground. “They want to have an idea of the dew,” said Usman, Pak team’s assistant manager.
