Where now for Pakistani cricket?

The attacks this week on the Sri Lankan cricket in Lahore have left the future of cricket in Pakistan in a delicate situation.

The sub-continent's most loved game faces an uncertain future in one of the best cricket nations in the world. A nation which is supposed to be hosting the 2011 Cricket World Cup along with India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

It is extremely sad to see a sport, cherished by so many people in South Asia, being driven out by acts of terrorism completely unconnected to the sport.

International cricket in the sub-continent was already in the balance following last year's attacks on Mumbai - which very nearly ended England's tour of India - before a rearranged series took place, rejuvenating the country.

But Pakistan has a much deeper problem. The fact that militants from their nation were blamed for the acts of terrorism in India and now against the Sri Lankan cricket team means no team will visit their country for a long time to come.

The security around the Sri Lankan team will have to be examined closely. No attack, no matter how organised, should be able to inflict that much damage on a team. And the results could potentially have been far worse. This is why no side will tour Pakistan. Nobody is confident about the level of security visiting sides will have to ensure an attack like this will never happen again.

For now Abu Dhabi has offered itself as a host for Pakistan's forthcoming fixtures against Australia, New Zealand and England's next tour in 2010. The ground has already been used in limited overs matches but never test cricket. And although I'm sure the Pakistan players will be grateful to be able to play against the best sides in the world, it won't beat playing at packed stadiums in the home country.

Meanwhile the ICC will decide what the future holds for cricket in Pakistan. Any decision they make though will have to be thought out very carefully to ensure that it is the right one, not only for international cricket, but also for Pakistan.