Domestic T20 success gives PCB hope
Roaring success of domestic Twenty20 Cup gives PCB much-needed confidence towards revival of international cricket.
KARACHI:
The roaring success in the Faysal Bank Twenty20 Cup has given the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) the much-needed confidence towards revival of international cricket.
A record attendance at the Gaddafi Stadium allowed the board to consider sending video footage of the tournament to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its Task Force which was formed to find ways for international cricket to return to Pakistan.
“The presence of such a large number of spectators proved that we’re a great cricket-loving country,” PCB spokesperson Nadeem Sarwar told The Express Tribune. “The tournament was held in a befitting manner and security arrangements were also good. We’re considering sending the footage of the tournament to the ICC as it was a positive development towards the country’s revival of international cricket.”
Over 1,000 personnel were deployed in and around the venue to ensure security during the tournament. The final between domestic giants Lahore Lions and Karachi Dolphins was a jam-packed affair in the stadium having a capacity of 28,000. Former leg-spinner Abdul Qadir termed it an unprecedented sight.
“Holding the tournament in such a successful manner was an achievement,” said Sarwar.
International cricket has eluded Pakistan since March 2009 when the Sri Lankan team was attacked by terrorists on their way to the same venue. Following the attack, foreign teams refused to tour Pakistan as the country also lost its status as co-hosts of next year’s World Cup and were not awarded any rights for any ICC tournaments until 2015. As a result, Pakistan have been forced to play their home matches at neutral venues.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 20th, 2010.
The roaring success in the Faysal Bank Twenty20 Cup has given the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) the much-needed confidence towards revival of international cricket.
A record attendance at the Gaddafi Stadium allowed the board to consider sending video footage of the tournament to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its Task Force which was formed to find ways for international cricket to return to Pakistan.
“The presence of such a large number of spectators proved that we’re a great cricket-loving country,” PCB spokesperson Nadeem Sarwar told The Express Tribune. “The tournament was held in a befitting manner and security arrangements were also good. We’re considering sending the footage of the tournament to the ICC as it was a positive development towards the country’s revival of international cricket.”
Over 1,000 personnel were deployed in and around the venue to ensure security during the tournament. The final between domestic giants Lahore Lions and Karachi Dolphins was a jam-packed affair in the stadium having a capacity of 28,000. Former leg-spinner Abdul Qadir termed it an unprecedented sight.
“Holding the tournament in such a successful manner was an achievement,” said Sarwar.
International cricket has eluded Pakistan since March 2009 when the Sri Lankan team was attacked by terrorists on their way to the same venue. Following the attack, foreign teams refused to tour Pakistan as the country also lost its status as co-hosts of next year’s World Cup and were not awarded any rights for any ICC tournaments until 2015. As a result, Pakistan have been forced to play their home matches at neutral venues.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 20th, 2010.