Former West Indies captain Brian Lara turned down an offer to play for the International World XI in the two exhibition Twenty20 matches in Karachi.
Lara was reluctant to be a part of the event because he was concerned about the message his participation would send out, given that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not granted the games an official status.
“Yes, an offer was made to me,” Lara told the Trinidad Guardian. “Until such time as the governing body in Pakistan is able to convince the rest of the world that the best safety mechanisms have been put in place, and the ICC agrees, I would have to say no.”
While the veteran batsman will not be appearing for the Twenty20 event, three former West Indies players – Ricardo Powell, Jermaine Lawson and Adam Sanford – are part of the visiting International XI team. Former batsman Alvin Kallicharran is the coach and manager. Both Kallicharran and Powell, who was Lara’s teammate, expressed their satisfaction with the conditions in Pakistan.
“To be honest, yes I was a bit hesitant initially, having heard stories of different kinds about playing in Pakistan,” said Powell. “But when I was told by the organisers that everything is in order I took their word and I am here in front of you. I am feeling at home here and there are no reservations in my mind. I have played against Pakistan but this is my first visit to this country.”
For the first time since the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009, an international cricketing event is being held in Pakistan. Although unofficial, the Twenty20 matches between the International XI and Pakistan All Stars XI at the National Stadium marked the return of international players and cricket, much to the delight of local cricket-loving spectators.
The PCB has kept its distance from the event, issuing No Objection Certificates to its contracted players to play the games and allowing the use of the venue, but maintaining that the games are unofficial and unsanctioned. The Sindh Sports Minister, Mohammad Ali Shah, with the support of the Karachi government, has arranged all logistic and security arrangements as well as the broadcasting deal. It has been reported that the total cost of staging the matches is Rs 3 crore (US$314,300 approximately).
Lara
Until such time as the PCB is able to guarantee that the best safety mechanisms have been put in place, and the ICC agrees, I would have to say no.
Powell
I was hesitant, but when I was told by the organisers that everything is in order I took their word and I am here in front of you.
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