Zimbabwe series: PCB plans to build on successful foundation
COO Subhan Ahmed believes they are capable of hosting bigger teams as well
The PCB is willing to facilitate the African side in every way possible, with the first step being Pakistan’s tour to Zimbabwe. PHOTO: AFP
LAHORE:
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lynchpin and Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad believes the country has built itself a platform upon which it can urge the international cricket fraternity to visit after the successful conclusion of the series against Zimbabwe in Lahore.
Despite being surrounded by negativity throughout the process, the tour ended on a safe note in the early hours of Monday.
“The successful and safe conclusion of the Zimbabwe series is a massive achievement for the PCB and Pakistan cricket because now we have a reason to convince the world that international cricket can truly return to Pakistan,” Subhan told The Express Tribune.
He praised the fans for uplifting the event to greater heights with their presence and passion which sent out a strong message to the world.
However, the PCB was let down by the behaviour of the International Cricket Council (ICC) as it did not send any officials to witness the landmark series.
Upon being asked whether the board would show the arrangements to the world governing body, Subhan replied: “Our plan is to prepare a short video containing highlights of the series, security arrangements and the crowds’ participation so that it can be demonstrated to the ICC that we have the capability of hosting series of any magnitude may it involve India, England or Australia.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan ODI skipper Azhar Ali stated that it has been an unforgettable experience playing at home and winning his first series as captain. “It’s been a memorable series for us, playing in front of the home crowd for the first time in my career. I’m really lucky to have performed well and win my first series as captain in front of my own crowd.
“The supporters had been right behind us throughout the series which kept us charged up. If we can continue playing at home, then certainly our performances will improve drastically.”
‘We’ll always remember Zimbabwe’s help’
Zimbabwe helped out Pakistan after the country was thrown into darkness for more than six years, lighting up the Gaddafi Stadium and providing the men in green the opportunity to finally play at home.
“We can’t thank Zimbabwe enough because it really was a big step from their side,” said Subhan. “It needed a lot of courage to come here despite all the negative reports circulating prior to the tour. I’ve been touched by [Zimbabwe Cricket managing director] Alistair Campbell’s remarks that ‘we came here as a friend but we are leaving as brothers’.”
The official added that PCB is willing to facilitate the African side in every way possible, with the first step being their tour to Zimbabwe which was not part of the schedule before.
Tour of Pakistan a great experience: Whatmore
Zimbabwe coach Dav Whatmore termed the tour a great experience for him and his side in the development of their own cricket.
“It has been a great feeling coming back to Pakistan and playing here,” he said. “Zimbabwe have not had enough cricket in the last few years and this series provided us a chance to work on that. Our plan is to build a team for the future and for that we need to play regularly.”
Whatmore added that despite having five new faces in the side, they had remained competitive throughout the tour. “We still played well and the tour has had a positive effect on us and the Pakistan fans. We are happy we brought that joy to the masses.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 2nd, 2015.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lynchpin and Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad believes the country has built itself a platform upon which it can urge the international cricket fraternity to visit after the successful conclusion of the series against Zimbabwe in Lahore.
Despite being surrounded by negativity throughout the process, the tour ended on a safe note in the early hours of Monday.
“The successful and safe conclusion of the Zimbabwe series is a massive achievement for the PCB and Pakistan cricket because now we have a reason to convince the world that international cricket can truly return to Pakistan,” Subhan told The Express Tribune.
He praised the fans for uplifting the event to greater heights with their presence and passion which sent out a strong message to the world.
However, the PCB was let down by the behaviour of the International Cricket Council (ICC) as it did not send any officials to witness the landmark series.
Upon being asked whether the board would show the arrangements to the world governing body, Subhan replied: “Our plan is to prepare a short video containing highlights of the series, security arrangements and the crowds’ participation so that it can be demonstrated to the ICC that we have the capability of hosting series of any magnitude may it involve India, England or Australia.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan ODI skipper Azhar Ali stated that it has been an unforgettable experience playing at home and winning his first series as captain. “It’s been a memorable series for us, playing in front of the home crowd for the first time in my career. I’m really lucky to have performed well and win my first series as captain in front of my own crowd.
“The supporters had been right behind us throughout the series which kept us charged up. If we can continue playing at home, then certainly our performances will improve drastically.”
‘We’ll always remember Zimbabwe’s help’
Zimbabwe helped out Pakistan after the country was thrown into darkness for more than six years, lighting up the Gaddafi Stadium and providing the men in green the opportunity to finally play at home.
“We can’t thank Zimbabwe enough because it really was a big step from their side,” said Subhan. “It needed a lot of courage to come here despite all the negative reports circulating prior to the tour. I’ve been touched by [Zimbabwe Cricket managing director] Alistair Campbell’s remarks that ‘we came here as a friend but we are leaving as brothers’.”
The official added that PCB is willing to facilitate the African side in every way possible, with the first step being their tour to Zimbabwe which was not part of the schedule before.
Tour of Pakistan a great experience: Whatmore
Zimbabwe coach Dav Whatmore termed the tour a great experience for him and his side in the development of their own cricket.
“It has been a great feeling coming back to Pakistan and playing here,” he said. “Zimbabwe have not had enough cricket in the last few years and this series provided us a chance to work on that. Our plan is to build a team for the future and for that we need to play regularly.”
Whatmore added that despite having five new faces in the side, they had remained competitive throughout the tour. “We still played well and the tour has had a positive effect on us and the Pakistan fans. We are happy we brought that joy to the masses.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 2nd, 2015.