Whilst sitting in the Spar Stand at the SWALEC Stadium yesterday with Pakistan and England supporters chatting happily with each other as the first 20/20 contest unfolded, it was easier than anticipated to forget the controvercies that have dominated international cricket over the past seven days.

There was a flatness in the crowd of approx 10,500 though no evidence of hostility towards the players. When Kamran Akmal’s name was uttered over the public address system when the teams were announced a silence was evident, yet this soon gave way to cheers of appreciation within the ranks of the Pakistani fans for the returnees Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akthar.

Although the News of the World revealed more information concerning allegations of both spot and match fixing, the crowd appeared resolute in its desire to watch international cricket realising that nothing has been proven against the players named and that for many spectators, this was probably the last time they were going to watch any live cricket in the flesh until next spring.Sadly, the game was only a contest for a few overs with Pakistan choosing to rather strangely rearrange their batting order, with their big bitters disadvantaged. This decision added to the slightly surreal atmosphere that engulfed the stadium.

Having had some reservations about attending, the game demonstrated to me the need to ensure that Pakistan are not isolated in national cricket though their reputation is tarnished and the likelihood of Pakistani players being recruited into the domestic game for the 2011 season is remote.

With the season rapidly concluding there is time to review the problems in both the domestic and international game and these need to be addressed prior to the forthcoming Ashes contest.