PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf admitted that it would be an uphill task to convince the boards of other countries about Pakistan’s ability to host a secure event. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan has been unable to host top-flight international cricket since a gun attack on the Sri Lanka team’s bus in March 2009. Despite numerous efforts to restore the image of a secure place for visiting teams, the board has had to face setbacks including Bangladesh’s withdrawal from a tour last year.
The PCB had previously shown interest in hosting the 2014 World Twenty20 which was awarded to Bangladesh and is again labouring to secure the rights for organising an event in the country.
“There is an ICC event in 2018 and Pakistan has requested it that it may be given an opportunity to host the event,” Ashraf said at the Lahore airport on his return from the recent ICC meetings in Dubai. “We also told them that they are welcome to evaluate the security situation. They have agreed to forward our request to the concerned committee.”
The 1996 World Cup was the last time when Pakistan co-hosted the event alongside India and Sri Lanka.
Ashraf admitted that a lot of work remains to convince teams that touring Pakistan is a viable option.
“I have talked with three to four presidents of cricket boards and they are reluctant when they hear the name of Pakistan, especially after Bangladesh pulled out last year. We are in talks with another country and they have asked us to send them a formal request.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2013.
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