Cricket: Pakistan look to revive home tours

Pakistan have not hosted any international cricket since militant attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009

ABU DHABI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shaharyar Khan said Monday that tours from second-tier and smaller teams could help revive domestic cricket hit by the fear of terrorist attacks.

Pakistan have not hosted any international cricket since the militant attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.

Bangladesh twice backed away from touring for a short series in 2012 and a year later, citing security fears.

Ireland were due to play a short limited over series in Pakistan last month, but the attack on Karachi airport resulted in the tour being called off.

PCB chairman Khan said he had visited Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India to lobby for a revival of cricket tours to Pakistan.

"I toured India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and the response was very good," Khan told AFP.

"The aim of the exercise is to revive the Asian spirit and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are ready to send their Under-19 teams, women's and 'A' teams to Pakistan."

Khan, a former foreign secretary and a career diplomat, said the process of bringing cricket back to Pakistan would be a gradual one.

"The real objective is to slowly and gradually open the doors for teams to come to Pakistan. I have had several confirmations from Associate countries,” said Khan.

"For me the day is not far off and I will announce it when teams decide to come," he added.

Khan also said India had given assurances of playing six series in the next eight years, commencing from December 2015.

"I met Indian cricket chief (Narayanaswami) Srinivasan in Dubai on Sunday and he has said 'come what may I am committed to the six series' and he has his government's approval," he said

In April this year Pakistan and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding to play six series, four of which to be hosted by Pakistan, between 2015-2023.

Pakistan will host India for two Tests, three one-days and a Twenty20 in December 2015, likely in the United Arab Emirates.

Khan said he has also requested former Indian spinner Bishen Bedi to bring an Indian XI of retired players to play an exhibition match in Pakistan.

"Bedi came to see me and he told me that he can bring an Indian XI for an exhibition game, with retired players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid to Pakistan and that too can help," said Khan.