"We're optimistic that this will be the next step in safe return of cricket to Pak": Dave Richardson

[UN talkz]

"We're optimistic that this will be the next step in safe return of cricket to Pak": Dave Richardson

The International Cricket Council has welcomed the World XI’s tour of Pakistan following the naming of the team which will travel to Lahore in September and confirmation that the three game series will go ahead.

Mr Giles Clarke, the ICC Director who has served as the Chairman of the Pakistan Task Team since 2009, was optimistic that the series will be the first step towards international cricket returning safely to Pakistan with further T20 International matches against Sri Lanka and the Windies penciled in for later in the year.

Mr Clarke, who had visited Lahore in January, said: “I’m delighted that Pakistan will be hosting a high-profile series, which features several top international cricketers from a number of ICC Members. This tour is not only important for cricket in Pakistan but also for international cricket since it opens the possibility of other teams, media and sponsors visiting Pakistan for bilateral series.

“Pakistan has been an important Member of the ICC and the cricket community has felt its pain. As part of its duty of care, the cricket community has always ensured that the sport is not affected due to no fault of the Pakistan Cricket Board when it has continued to play its away series off-shore.

“The ICC Members releasing their top players and the respective player unions backing this series is testament to the support the world has extended to Pakistan during these difficult times. The focus of everyone in the international game is the safe return of cricket to Pakistan.

“It will be an excellent opportunity for Pakistan fans to watch live in action not only their local stars but also the international cricket heroes. I wish the PCB and the World XI best of luck and will be following the matches from the Gaddafi Stadium.”

The Pakistan Task Team, which was formed in June 2009 and also included ICC Chief Executive David Richardson (then ICC General Manager – Cricket), made 63 recommendations in June 2011 about the organisation of the game in the country.

The PCB accepted most of those recommendations and it resulted in the side remaining competitive at the top level, evident from the fact that it reached the quarter-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, qualified for the final of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2014, attained number-one Test ranking in September 2016, before winning the ICC Champions Trophy this year.

Mr Richardson, who has been a regular visitor to Pakistan, said: “The ICC wants to see regular international cricket being played safely in all its Member countries and the World XI playing Pakistan in Lahore next month is a step towards that for the PCB.

“The PCB’s plans for the tour will include comprehensive security arrangements for the safety and security of the players, officials, media and spectators. As such, the ICC is fully supportive of these games. That said, all the stakeholders will remain vigilant and re-evaluate the situation if required.

“We are optimistic that this will be the next step in a steady and safe return of international cricket to Pakistan.”

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Glad to read their statements. Just shows you how much they have done for this tour. Hopefully it will put to rest of the conspiracy theories, ICC is against Pak, all other members are trying to destroy Pak cricket cause we are better and stuff.

 

[MenInG]

Good work by ICC and they should be thanked for their role.

 

[NoBallZombie]

Glad to read their statements. Just shows you how much they have done for this tour. Hopefully it will put to rest of the conspiracy theories, ICC is against Pak, all other members are trying to destroy Pak cricket cause we are better and stuff.

..... theories still rife about Indian non-presence. Being part of this squad is one thing, none of the important Indian players even posted any supportive messages in social media.

 

[hafeezrocks]

Everything right on track.

 

[hafeezrocks]

..... theories still rife about Indian non-presence. Being part of this squad is one thing, none of the important Indian players even posted any supportive messages in social media.

They might not want to draw the ire of their board.

 

[Adnan_Ilyas]

Hope this goes well, 3 tours ij 3 months inshallah

 

[BunnyRabbit]

..... theories still rife about Indian non-presence. Being part of this squad is one thing, none of the important Indian players even posted any supportive messages in social media.

I believe players communicate over texts and emails as well. They may or may not have wished our players their support privately. Indian players have a very busy schedule, I don't think they would have been free for the window period. Plus I posted about conspiracy theories regarding ICC and all other boards being against us. People used to accuse Giles Clarke for the spot fixing scandal to berate Pak and stuff like that. We need to know if we correct ourselves, we would not have such problems and the main problem lies within us rather than other boards and ICC trying to ban Pak from cricket and stuff like that. They have genuinely been supportive towards our cause without any personal gain or anything.