"Hopeful that today marks the start of return of intl cricket to Pak" : Shashank Manohar

[hadi123]

“I send both teams and the PCB the very best wishes from the whole cricket family for a competitive series that the passionate fans in Pakistan can enjoy," said the ICC chairman.

The ICC Chairman has today welcomed the return of international cricket to Pakistan ahead of the Independence Cup taking place in Lahore this week.

Mr Shashank Manohar said: “This is a good day for world cricket as the PCB hosts a World XI in Lahore for three T20 International games. It has been a long and tough journey as the PCB, Pakistan players and fans have been starved of the opportunity to stage, play and watch international cricket in their own country. I am hopeful that today marks the start of the safe and steady return of international cricket to Pakistan.

“The ability of Pakistan to play international cricket at home is crucial to the long term health of the game in Pakistan and one of the main reasons why the ICC established the Pakistan Task Force under the leadership of Giles Clarke, to explore, in partnership with the PCB, how we can get international cricket back to Pakistan safely and on a regular basis.

“I send both teams and the PCB the very best wishes from the whole cricket family for a competitive series that the passionate fans in Pakistan can enjoy. I sincerely hope that this week’s games mark the start of a steady flow of international cricket to this great cricket nation.”

https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/470433

 

[zoeyfactor]

It's very nice to see such a delightful message from Shashank Manohar.

 

[Syed1]

Thanks but no thanks. We don't need your fake concern.

 

[Rafa]

I pray for his safety in India.

 

[Railu Katta]

I pray for his safety in India.

LOL expect some backlash and tweets about deporting him to Pakistan

 

[j_kazmi]

Well he could've sent some of his own players to pakistan aswell.

I'm sure virat kohli would've happily visited Pakistan if allowed.

 

[Abdullah719]

Well he could've sent some of his own players to pakistan aswell.

I'm sure virat kohli would've happily visited Pakistan if allowed.

He's the ICC Chairman, not the BCCI Chairman.

 

[Slog]

Wish a few Indian players had been visiting.

Prior to 2009, India was the country asides from SL which was most open to touring Pakistan

 

[Rafa]

Wish a few Indian players had been visiting.

Prior to 2009, India was the country asides from SL which was most open to touring Pakistan

Things have changed a lot from those times, in that period the Asian Bloc was firmly united but right now BCCI is the most anti-Pakistani board ever.

 

[Slog]

Things have changed a lot from those times, in that period the Asian Bloc was firmly united but right now BCCI is the most anti-Pakistani board ever.

obv i know

just saying it wouldve been cool to see if one or 2 from Dhoni, Kohli and Ashwin had come. All 3 are good guys unlike some others and am sure if BCCI allowed they wouldnt have problems coming

 

[j_kazmi]

He's the ICC Chairman, not the BCCI Chairman.

Probably still has some influence in the BCCI.

 

[Abdullah719]

Probably still has some influence in the BCCI.

I'm pretty sure that Manohar isn't a very popular figure in the Indian board. He played a big part in the tussle between BCCI and ICC; he advocated lowering the revenues that BCCI received.

Anyway, realistically speaking, I doubt anyone expected Indian players to come.

 

[JaDed]

Good to see the posts on this thread,Indian fans would always remember what he did to BCCI and other posters from other countrieswouldn't ,lose-lose situation for him,hopefully he never rises in any management.

 

[CanadianG00se]

Good to see the posts on this thread,Indian fans would always remember what he did to BCCI and other posters from other countrieswouldn't ,lose-lose situation for him,hopefully he never rises in any management.

He have been like a snake in Indian management. Remember 2004 Ind-Aus series where he ensured the pitch to favour the Aussies. Indian board is better off without snakes like him. He never worked for Indian benefit, always created obstacles for India on and off the pitch.

Id really love to have Srini Mama back in the foil. Some Indian fans hated him during his tenure, now that seeing BCCI so weak im sure many wouldn't mind seeing him back.

 

[CanadianG00se]

Probably still has some influence in the BCCI.

Its not even in hands of BCCI. Sending any players to Pakistan will require govt approval which i dont see it be given considering current govt is anti Pakistan.

 

[Syed1]

Really want to see Dhoni in Pak... I'm sure he will get more support from the crowd than even some Pakistani players.

 

[Slog]

He have been like a snake in Indian management. Remember 2004 Ind-Aus series where he ensured the pitch to favour the Aussies.

urban myth

 

[CanadianG00se]

urban myth

You're free to think what you like

 

[Gabbar Singh]

urban myth

Possibly however it was documented at the time. The management asked for a spinning track however Manohar ignored them. I think it just goes to show he's his own man.

And anyway, the best team won that test. Ganguly chickening out at the last minute and unsettling the team didn't help India's chances either.

The comment from the Indian camp was that their dealings with the VCA were characterised by a "lack of cooperation". One member said, "All we said two weeks before the game was that we wanted a good batting wicket which would turn from day three or four. They ignored it."

http://m.indiatoday.in/story/india-lost-test-match-agaist-austialia-nagpur-2004/1/195300.html

Meanwhile, Shashank Manohar, the president of the Vidarbha Cricket Association, which is hosting the match, affirmed that he would go out of his way to ensure that the nature of the pitch was not dictated by anyone.

"I have got no instructions from either the BCCI or the Indian team management. Even if I do, I am not going to oblige them," he said, speaking to The Times of India. He said that he was acting according to a circular issued by the BCCI earlier in the year, which called for sporting wickets "that would have enough bounce so as to encourage quicker bowlers and also improve strokeplay of batsmen".

Manohar had not approved of the pitches prepared for the first two Tests. "Those were very poor wickets," he said. "A little bit of grass here will help the pitch get some pace and it'll prevent it from breaking up." He emphasised that both teams would benefit from the conditions.

"In addition to the short boundaries," he said, "the wicket has even bounce, something that should suit quality batsmen. If the Indians think of themselves as a good batting unit, they should not worry ... if you are a cricket lover, you want the best team to win, and not your home team at the cost of quality cricket."

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/142667.html

 

[backfootpunch]

Thanks but no thanks. We don't need your fake concern.

He actually does care for the greater good of Pakistan cricket and global cricket. Not like the other BCCI cronies. Went out of his own way to get BCCI's share of revenue reduced.

Tells me he doesn't care about his origins but what he feels is best for the game. This guy has left a legacy and sets the right example especially to his compatriots.