WorldXI vs All Stars: Brian Lara refused $1.5m offer to play in Pakistan

Lara was approached by organizers but did not want to associate himself with the event.

West Indies batsman Brian Lara has turned down a $1.5 million offer to take part in the WorldXI matches taking place in Pakistan on Saturday and Sunday in an effort to reroute international cricket to Pakistan, reports the Trinidad Guardian.

“Yes, an offer was made to me,” Lara revealed when asked about the matter.

He said he was approached by organizers but did not want to associate himself with the event which is not sanctioned by either the International Cricket Council (ICC) or the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).


“Until such time as the governing body in Pakistan is able to convince the rest of the world that the best safety mechanisms have been put in place, and the ICC agrees, I would have to say no,” said Lara.

In what is considered to be a small step towards normalcy, several international players arrived in Karachi to take part in exhibition matches as Pakistan looks to revive top-flight international cricket in the country.

Deprived of top-flight action since March 2009 – when the Sri Lanka team bus was attacked – fans are now looking to these two fixtures at the weekend with hope.

The International World XI and Pakistan All Stars promised high quality action in back-to-back exhibition matches that start tonight at the National Stadium, Karachi.
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