A PCB official confirmed yesterday that the board has sent its reply to the proposal given by former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif who recently took over as batting coach of Afghanistan.
“We’ve turned down the proposal because of series against South Africa in UAE this October,” the official told The Express Tribune. “We have a hectic schedule till next year’s World Cup and it’s difficult to slot extra series in before that.”
Mani unhappy over PCB’s gesture
Former International Cricket Council (ICC) president Ehsan Mani has slammed the PCB for their refusal to host Afghanistan, saying the board has missed the opportunity to revive international cricket in Pakistan.
“There should be something to start with and the series could’ve given some confidence to other countries as Afghanistan are ICC’s associate members,” Mani told The Express Tribune. “The series against South Africa is starting in the last week of October and with the England tour ending in the third week of September, there was a window available for at least three matches.
“Players from the senior squad who need practice may have played with the ‘A’ team members or the junior side,” Mani added.
The former ICC chief also felt that the PCB must support Afghanistan which is making inroads in international cricket but needs more opportunities.
“It’s our responsibility to help them because we should make our region strong,” he said before adding if Afghanistan will become a major cricket nation then it will pave way for international cricket in region. “The teams will start coming to Afghanistan if they become a major side and this will also pave the way for sides to come and play in Pakistan.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 18th, 2010.
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