Pakistan cricket chief Shaharyar Khan said Monday that tours from second-tier and smaller teams could help revive domestic cricket hit by the fear of terrorist attacks.
Pakistan have not hosted any international cricket since the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.
Bangladesh twice backed away from touring for a short series in 2012 and a year later, citing security fears.
Ireland were due to play a short limited over series in Pakistan last month, but terrorist attacks on Karachi airport resulted in the tour being called off.
PCB chairman Khan said he had visited Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India to lobby for a revival of cricket tours to Pakistan.
“The aim of the exercise is to revive the Asian spirit and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are ready to send their Under-19 teams, women’s and ‘A’ teams to Pakistan.”
“I met Indian cricket chief (Narayanaswami) Srinivasan in Dubai on Sunday and he has said ‘come what may I am committed to the six series’ and he has his government’s approval,” he said
In April this year Pakistan and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding to play six series — four of which to be hosted by Pakistan — between 2015-2023.
Pakistan will host India for two Tests, three one-days and a Twenty20 in December 2015, likely in United Arab Emirates.
Khan said he has also requested former Indian spinner Bishen Bedi to bring an Indian XI of retired players to play an exhibition match in Pakistan.
(AFP)
