KARACHI: Former Sri Lanka skipper Sanath Jayasuriya said Thursday that Pakistan was safe to host foreign cricket teams, as he arrived to lead an international all-star XI in two Twenty20 matches.
Jayasuriya will captain the International World XI, featuring former South African Test players Andre Nel and Nantie Hayward, against Pakistan All Stars, led by current allrounder Shahid Afridi.
Overseas sides have shunned Pakistan over security fears since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team bus during a Test in Lahore in 2009, killing eight people.
But Jayasuriya, who was part of the Sri Lankan one-day squad two months before the tragic 2009 incident, said he hoped this weekend's matches would help internationals return to the cricket-mad country.
"I am happy to be part of these matches," Jayasuriya told reporters on his arrival. "It depends on country to country (whether they tour Pakistan) but in my opinion Pakistan is a safe country."
A number of West Indies players, including one-day specialist Ricardo Powell and pace bowler Jermaine Lawson, will also feature for the tourists.
Alvin Kallicharan, the double World Cup-winning West Indian batsman coaching the international XI, echoed Jayasuriya's optimism.
"I came here way back in 1972 to raise funds for flood victims and this time it's another noble cause: promotion of cricket in Pakistan," he said.
The matches are a personal initiative of the sports minister of Sindh province Mohammad Ali Shah, who claimed the matches had the backing of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
But the PCB has distanced itself from the matches, to be played on Saturday and Sunday in Karachi, saying the board had only provided the venue and made players available, insisting security was the responsibility of the organiser.
COMMENTS (27)
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Having organized just two matches with such tight security does not mean that now Pakistan has become a safe heaven for the visiting sides. The worst law and order situation in the country and specially in Karachi where dozens of citizens are killed on daily basis creates doubts in the minds of foreign sides to visit Pakistan. The stadium was rather looking a battle-filed than a playing venue where thousands of police force were deputed as if they were up against the terrorists. Most of the time policemen were found querelling and abusing the innocent citizens who wanted to enjoy the cricket and see their favorite heroes. We have to realize that we as a nation have to show the maturity and discipline to prove that we are as cultured as any other cultured nations of the world.
Many haters are hating ...
its very nice of jayasuria, especially as Pakistan cricketers were supportive when other teams found it too dangerous to visit Sri Lanka Having said that it would have been better to leave safely, then the impact of the statement would have been greater.
May they get back to their homes safe!!!
We should not stick to one odd incident that happened 3 years ago for life. Lets forget it, open up our minds and get on with the game. Incidents and security lapses much much more severe and serious than these happen all over the world. Lets not forget recent 9/11 in the worlds' super power, a shocking and unbelievable security lapse killing thousands of innocent people. Country's presidents and prime ministers getting killed in america and india etc in front of huge securities. A fanatic in america, one of the most safe countries, going in a cinema killing and injuring many people. These are only a few to mention, you can get many other examples like these. In the attack on srilankan team, we should pay tribute to the brave Pakistani driver who put his life in danger and took the bus away from the scene and no serious damage was done to any of our respected players and guests. So please dont be narrow minded, dont see this incident in isolation and LETS GET ON WITH THE GAME !!
We Pakistanis welcome our esteemed guests, lets enjoy.
@patriot: before you spit out your hate words towards the Bangladeshi players just remember they were concerned about their safety. Pakistan is still not a safe country by any means. Just see what's happening in Pakistan and maybe you will come out of your state of denial. Have a more rational point of view and not just hopelessly emotional. Its not about who is more important, its about if they are safe!! You should also know even the PCB has not given these games any official status because they don't want to get embarrassed again. We all want cricket to return but it must be properly planned, God forbid anything goes wrong now and no one will be coming to Pakistan for a few decades. A bunch of international players coming to Pakistan does not mean anything. No need to go so over the top.
Retired players and retired umpires are the only ones recommending the return of cricket to Pakistan. Why aren't the officials and current players saying the same thing?
Shame on Bangladesh for their cowardice and displaying extreme ingratitude in return for pakistan standing by them in international cricket and helped them stand on their feet when they were like toddlers in cricket. Are the Bengali players more important and hence vulnerable to terrorists than these Sri lankan, west indian and south african stars? If these players can trust our assurance of foolproof security, why not those tigers (an unbefitting name for the cowards)? And nothing else moved u, the brotherhood of 2 countries, regional cooperation, shared history and above all the sincere help of pak cricket to bangladesh. Have u become so important? Have u taken it for granted that this predicament of pak cricket shall be thre for ever? Would u not beg us again as there r serious questions about credibility as a test nation?
Thank you Jayasurya. May you be able to enjoy your "safe" deposit!
Why religious schizophrenics want to view western game like Cricket. Jayasurya, how much money you got to issue a statement like this when even Pakistan ministers are not prepared to declare Pakistan as peaceful for any sport leave alone Cricket.
@sensee Yes, true, Cricket was being played in Sri Lanka even during the time of the war. However what you are missing is that the civil adminisration of Sri Lanka was firmly under the control of the Government. Do you think the same can be said about Pakistan. Scores of target killings everyday in Karachi is enough to say the administration is not under the control of the local govt. Also, the citizens of Pakistan still dont have consensus owho is the real Enemy, wehther it is America, West, India, or Taliban... Many of them do not agree that Taliban is a threat to Pakisn. Also, both prties in the Sri Lankan war did not trade God & Religion to kill people.
How is Sanath so sure that Pakistan is safe for visiting teams without having gone there ? Does he not remember the fate of his team members who were assured the same security as provided to the President of Pakistan but were attacked by the terrorists who are still at large ?
People commenting here will NEVER be happy. When there was no1 visiting Pakistan for sports,hue and cry was raised. Now when foreigners are touring Pakistan ,ur comments r full of sarcasm too.seriosly buddies,it's NOT funny,ok? Now for th love of God,grow up plees! :)
A shocker for pro Indian liberals.....
Pakistan safe for visiting sides: Jayasuriya Malala attackers would be laughing with their tummies held tight....
ask malala. Tralalalala.
we should appreciative the initiative taken by jaysuria.... stay blessed...!!!
Dear Jaisurya,
Please complete the series in one piece. If TTP takes your statement to their ego, then you may have to eat your words (if you live to do that).
Its shameful to know that a foreigner can show optimism unlike the natives themselves. We should not forget that despite the bitter truth, we all would love the return of international cricket tournaments to our country. For that sake, it is necessary that the citizens of Pakistan should show some hope & positivity atleast from the mouth if not by action, and encourage such events for the promotion of international cricket in the country.
I'm surprized to see the comments ... Yes cricket was being played in Sri-lanka even when rebels were active in Sri-Lanka, Pakistan is also safe to play cricket, as long as proper security is given to them.
That incident was unfortunate, but i am sure it could had been avoided. If there was a proper govt at place at the time of the incident. We all know the history of what happened at that time.
Dear SANATH.
Pakistan is not even safe for local Shias, Hindus, Christians, Liberals, Baloch nationalists, Sindhi nationalists, Hazara nationalists etc.
Do you really think it is safe for foreigners?
Regards, Your fan
Sri Lankan team was attacked in Australia not in Pakistan. Let us set this record Mr Jayasurya.
good joke
A sad day for indians
exactly how much did PCB pay you to make this false comment?
pakistan is a safe country-jayasurya.................. check his account...............