Pakistan's bad days in cricket are over: Haroon Lorgat

Former CEO of ICC Lorgat says intenational cricket will return to Pakistan after launch of Pakistan Premier League.

LAHORE: Former chief executive officer of International Cricket Council (ICC), Haroon Lorgat, has said that Pakistan's bad days in cricket are finally over and international cricket will soon return to Pakistan with the new Premier League (PPL).  

"Pakistan cricket suffered a lot in previous years owing to various reasons and I believe its (Pakistan) bad days in cricket are now over and good days will be coming soon with the return of international cricket," he said while addressing a news conference on Thursday evening at Gadaffi stadium.

Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Zaka Ashraf and Director General Subhan Ahmad were also present as Lorgat, who is currently working as an advisor with the Sri Lankan Cricket Board, said PCB is working in the right direction for the resumption of international cricket.

"I think holding of Pakistan Premier League is a step forward in this direction and when foreign players will be visiting Pakistan for participation in the league it will create a better image of Pakistan and thus the foreign teams will be feeling motivated to visit," said the former ICC official who held meetings with the PCB Chairman.

Praising PCB Chairman's role and efforts for bringing back international cricket, Lorgat said still more sincere efforts are needed to restore the confidence of foreign players and teams for visiting Pakistan. "If PCB assigns me any role for convincing foreign players to visit Pakistan surely I will do that because I can fit in that role as I did during Sri Lankan Premier League," he added.

He said the ICC is also supporting Pakistan as far resumption of international cricket is concerned. "ICC always supports its affiliated members and it is giving important to Pakistan's efforts for the revival of international cricket by extending necessary help and cooperation,” said Lorgat.

Lorgat expressed the hope that the PCB would be able to get the participation of leading cricketers in PPL as the PCB is enjoying very cordial relations with cricket boards and players.

Ashraf praised the expertise of Haroon Lorgat and said he is a major support to Pakistani cricket and its endeavour to stage the PPL.