LAHORE – Showing satisfaction for the revival of international cricket in Pakistan, the Director of International Cricket Council Giles Clarke said on Monday that the nation could not be kept away from cricket.
Addressing a press conference alongside PCB chairman Najam Sethi, Clark expressed that it was not possible to imagine ICC and cricket without Pakistan while terming Pakistan a safe country.
“World XI has opened doors for international cricket in Pakistan. Other international teams would also start touring Pakistan soon” he hoped.
“The government, the security agencies and most importantly the people of Pakistan have played a significant role in the revival of Cricket in Pakistan,” said the senior ICC official.
On the other hand, Sethi, who visibly looked happy over the Independence Cup said this is not just a series of cricket, but a historic moment for Pakistan as the world will witness the sport back in the country.
Apart from cricketing officials, South African Test and T20 Captain Faf du Plessis, who is leading the World XI squad also addressed a press conference and said that the international cricketers on his team were “playing for something bigger than the game itself”.
“You always try to find things to help you leave your mark — and this seemed like the sort of opportunity to do just that,” said du Plessis.
“As a cricketer, in a few years’ time, I will be able to look back and say that I played my part in bringing cricket back to Pakistan.”
The World XI coach Andy Flower noted that the international players arrived in Lahore to play their part in bringing international cricket to Pakistan.
“The World XI looks forward to celebrating the return of international cricket in Pakistan,” he said, adding “I’m sure our international stars will return home with happy memories”.
Flower paid homage to those who have given sacrifices against terrorism. He said he has played in Pakistan and claimed that the spectators will get to watch excellent cricket.
