PCB hopeful of hosting Bangladesh, SL next year

Board preparing alternate plans in case India series fails to materialise.


Our Correspondent June 05, 2015
PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan has stated that the board will be extending invitations to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in hopes of hosting them next year in Pakistan after the successful conclusion of the Zimbabwe series in Lahore last month.

Zimbabwe became the first team in more than six years to play in Pakistan and help the country in its process of reviving international cricket.

The PCB chief said that not only had cricket come back home, the series had helped shed a positive light on the image of Pakistan globally.

“We’re hopeful of hosting Sri Lanka and Bangladesh next year after successfully hosting Zimbabwe,” said Shaharyar during a press conference at the National Stadium Karachi on Friday. “But we now need to host Test matches to further improve on this image.”

Shaharyar further revealed that International Cricket Council chief executive Dave Richardson sent a message congratulating the PCB on the series and said he wanted to be present during the historic occasion for Pakistan but was unable to do so.

“The Associate nations want to come and play in Pakistan as well, but the problem is that we don’t have any window available,” he added.

The national cricket team has a packed schedule until the World Twenty20 next year, with series against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, England, India and New Zealand already planned prior to the mega event. However, a proposal is already on the table for Sri Lanka touring Pakistan in April next year.

Central contracts

Regarding new central contracts, Shaharyar said that the PCB would soon announce them before the team departs for Sri Lanka on June 8 as the smaller details still need to be finalised.

India series

During the press conference, the PCB chairman also mentioned that there is a 70% chance that the series against India will take place, but if that does not happen, the board has Plan B and Plan C in place.  “Right now, there is a 70% chance that India will come and play. If they don’t come, we have alternate plans ready,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6th, 2015.

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COMMENTS (1)

Farooq | 8 years ago | Reply they should invite Ireland for 3 ODIs and do them in Karachi or Multan, to show more than 1 city is safe. People are so desperate even Ireland ODIs will be housefull It will also relax other white nations of visiting Pakistan in future
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