New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra suffered a terrible injury during Saturday’s fielding in the tri-nation series against Pakistan, leaving everyone speechless and shocked. It’s a scary issue for PCB, particularly at a time when Champions Trophy is just round the corner. This incident brings several questions related to the security aspect of cricketers.
Shocking Incident At Gaddafi Stadium
Ravindra was stationed at square leg backward when he went for a catch off a delivery from Michael Bracewell. Pakistan’s Khushdil Shah had swept the ball over Ravindra’s position, and when the 25-year-old went for the catch, it seemed like he had lost eye on the ball in the lights. The ball struck him directly in his face, and he collapsed to the ground in pain.
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The incident took Ravindra to the ground with blood. The medical team rushed onto the field immediately and took him off the field with a towel covering his face, and the entire stadium went into shock. Ravindra’s agony worried not just for his safety but created serious issues over the situation pertaining to his safety and conditions.
Concerns Grow Over Player Safety
Ravindra’s injury has triggered a renewed debate about the safety of players in Pakistan, more so with this country’s recent track record concerning on-field incidents. Though accidents are a part of the game, many have questioned how much safety measures have been there at places. Lights, the condition of the ground, and even nearness of fielding positions to fast delivery are under the spotlight these days. Remember what actually happened in Ravindra’s case? It was during a routine action on the field.
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Is Pakistan Safe For International Cricketers?
This question hovers in the minds of people after the injury. Although facilities at Gaddafi Stadium have improved with renovation, incidents like Ravindra’s question the safety protocols of the venues as a whole. International players, particularly those coming from countries that follow strict safety rules, will naturally be worried about the risks associated with injury in matches in Pakistan.
Cricket boards around the world may have to re-look into safety measures taken at such venues to ensure better playing conditions among players. This is something that needs to be addressed before such incidents cause grave consequences.