Published: Oct 06, 2013, 02:57 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 06, 2013, 02:57 PM (IST)
All Test teams have avoided touring Pakistan since March 2009 © AFP
Lahore: Oct 6, 2013
After being ignored for over four years, Pakistan is hoping to see revival of international cricket in the country within the next six months with moves afoot to invite a World XI side.
All Test teams have avoided touring Pakistan since March 2009 when terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.
Intikhab Alam, a former Test captain, who heads the international division in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), said they were making efforts to invite a World XI or a team from England.
“I can’t give a exact time frame when this could happen but we are working on getting a World eleven to Pakistan in the next few months. At the same time we feel that even if a county team comes from England it could help our cause to revive international cricket,” Alam said.
The veteran said he couldn’t give details but the board has been in touch with other boards, teams and individuals over this issue.
“We are doing our best because we realise that our players need to be playing at home. It is important for our future generation of players,” he said.
“We don’t want to bring a team with players not known to our people. I can say this we have got positive responses and they are boards who want to help us out despite the fact that they are problems in the country.”
Alam said he was convinced that international cricket could be played in Pakistan in a controlled environment and proper security.
“Even if we start our premier league Twenty20 it could be a four team event with some foreign participation but the important thing is we have some big cricket in Pakistan.”
