ICC, Members Needs To Do More To Support Return Of International Cricket To Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed

Sarfaraz Ahmed has made an appeal to International Cricket Council (ICC) and other countries to do more so that international cricket returns to Pakistan. Pakistan’s hopes of seeing international cricket return on their soil in full flow took a huge blow after Sri Lanka stated that it would reassess the security before visiting the country.

Sri Lanka are scheduled to play three ODIs and as many T20I in Pakistan. However, the tour is now in jeopardy after Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed receiving a threat letter. Prior to that, ten players had pulled out of the tour due to security reasons. It is yet another blow for Pakistan who are desperately trying to bring international cricket back to their backyard.

Read More: ICC, Members Needs To Do More To Support Return Of International Cricket To Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed

They have not hosted a single Test at home since the attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009. Pakistan had to shift their base to UAE. In the last ten years, only Zimbabwe, West Indies and Sri Lanka have visited Pakistan for very short limited-overs series. And with things showing no signs of improving, Sarfaraz Ahmed has urged the cricket world to do more.

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The wicketkeeper-batsman, who was on Friday retained as captain of the national ODI and T20 teams, also refused to be drawn into the claims made in certain quarters that India might have a hand in Sri Lanka having second thoughts about sending their team to Pakistan.

“I don’t know anything about this nor can I say who is behind the threat to Sri Lankan Board but I just think the ICC and member boards need to do more to support the return of international cricket to Pakistan,” Sarfaraz Ahmed said in a press conference.

He further said Pakistan had always supported Sri Lanka when things were difficult there.

“Recently after the Easter bomb attacks (in Sri Lanka) the Pakistan board sent its under-19 team to Sri Lanka at a time when everyone was wondering whether there would be international cricket in Sri Lanka again,” Sarfaraz said.

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Citing the example of Pakistan Super League, Sarfaraz also said that overseas players have received foolproof security by the PCB.

“The security situation has improved a lot and in the last few years we have successfully hosted cricket without any problem and there have been no security issues,” he said.

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