Pakistan Cricket Board’s Chairman, Ijaz Butt, on Wednesday, assured that his terrorism-hit country is now in a situation to host international matches, citing the ongoing cricket match with the Afghanistan team is a positive message for the entire world.
Pakistan team will be playing their first unofficial One Day International series against Afghanistan at Islamabad on May 25.
The Sri Lankan team has recently denied visiting Pakistan, saying that the country is still facing security issues.
On 3rd March 2009, the Sri Lankan team faced a terrorist attack in Lahore. The attack left eight people dead, while seven players were injured, including the assistant coach.
In the wake of this accident, Pakistan was deprived of hosting International cricket and International Cricket Council stripped Pakistan off their hosting right for the World Cup 2011.
Since that terrorist’s attack, Afghanistan cricket team is the first to play in the Pakistan. The ODI series includes three matches to be played on May 25, 27 and 29.
Butt also thanked the Afghanistan government and cricket board for sending their team to Pakistan and expressed his hope that the visit will serve as an encouragement for other international teams to visit Pakistan.
"The visit of Afghanistan cricket team is also a good sign for the game of cricket in Pakistan. Unfortunately, our cricket frenzy nation is being deprived of international cricket at home," said Butt.
The Afghanistan team is being coached by former Pakistani wicket-keeper batsman, Rashid Latif, who has earned a great name in his cricketing career.
Latif replaced another former cricket Kabir Khan, who also played a significant role in the development of the Afghan team.
Butt also added that the Afghani team has made an appreciable progress in a short time period and are expected to perform well.
For the last three years Pakistani cricket team has been playing their home series in England, New Zealandand the United Arab Emirates.
PCB is also putting in efforts to invite the Indian team to Pakistan, in order to promote friendly relationship between the two nations.
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