‘Afghanistan ready to play in Pakistan’

Afghanistan bowler Khaliq Dad Noori said his country was ready to play cricket in Pakistan despite security fears.

KARACHI: Afghanistan fast-bowler Khaliq Dad Noori said his country was ready to play cricket in Pakistan at a time when security fears have stopped most teams touring the terror-hit nation.

Noori, who led Afghanistan’s youth team to win a club-level tournament in Karachi, hoped the visit would help revive cricket in Pakistan.

“Participation in this club-level event is a small step from our side,” said Noori. “It’s always fantastic to play in Pakistan and I sincerely hope that international cricket returns to this cricket-loving country.”

Noori said winning the tournament proves Afghanistan has talent. “We have more and more interest in the game and more academies have opened.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 8^th, 2010.