Published: Jul 04, 2016, 06:04 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 04, 2016, 06:04 PM (IST)
The tickets for India-Pakistan clash in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 at Adelaide and in ICC World T20 2016 at Kolkata were sold way quicker than any other major events like Olympics and Wimbledon, a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said. While there is no international cricket in Pakistan, PCB is looking to raise fund through India-Pakistan matches at International Cricket Council’s (ICC) tournaments. Except Zimbabwe’s limited-overs tour in May 2015, Pakistan have not hosted an international game since the attack on Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009.The statement also included the PCB requesting the ICC to allow Pakistan to hold home fixtures outside the country. READ: PCB in talks with BCCI to resume bilateral series: Reports
According to ESPNCricinfo, the PCB has revealed that the cost which takes to host their fixtures in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a huge financial burden on Pakistan cricket and is directly hindering the development of the game in the country.
“Pakistan is the only country that plays its home matches in a third country. This has placed a huge financial burden on Pakistan cricket. This includes having to play host in one of the most expensive destinations in the world. Dubai, for example, was recently ranked as the most expensive holiday destination. To host two teams — Pakistan and the opposition, scorers, umpires, other officials — in the UAE is prohibitively expensive. In addition, the hiring of grounds is a further drain. Little is recouped through gate receipts. Therefore, every time we play at home it is a further drain on resources.
“Pakistan is also suffering cricket-wise. Many of the national teams have never played a match at home against international teams. These cricketers have been denied the opportunity to benefit from home crowds. At the same time the cricketing public is starved of cricket at home — when Zimbabwe toured all five matches [two T20Is, three ODIs] were sold out in minutes,” the statement added.
