Sports

Zimbabwe have opened the gate for cricket in Pakistan: Shahryar Khan

PCB chairman thanks media and crowd for their support throughout the series

Sports Desk June 03, 2015

PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahyar Khan said on Wednesday that Zimbabwe's tour has opened a big gate for return of cricket in Pakistan.

While addressing a press conference in Lahore, Shahryar said: "Small gates were opened by Kenya, Afghanistan and Australia's army team but Zimbabwe can be credited for providing the biggest opening for the return of international cricket in the country."

Furthermore, Shahyar said that Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Wilson Manase and players were very happy with the response from the Pakistani crowd.

"My dear friend Wilson Manase was very happy with the tour. All the players before leaving Pakistan said that they have never received such a warm welcome anywhere in the world," said Shahryar.

"Their government even stopped them from visiting Pakistan but they came here to keep their word."

Read: ICC should re-examine position of not visiting Pakistan, says Zimbabwe cricket chairman

He also talked about the watertight security which caused traffic jams and sometime hassle for the everyone including journalists.

"Everyone had to face some difficulties during the tour. Even I was stopped on the gates for an hour," he said.

"Once I was stuck in traffic and everyone was getting frustrated but when they came to know that the Zimbabwe team is being escorted to the stadium, everyone kept their calm and didn't complain. I am very thankful to the public for showing so much support."

Moreover, Shahryar talked about how motivated Sri Lanka Cricket's Interim Committee President Sidarth Wettimuny was after observing all the arrangements and most importantly the crowd.

Read: Successful Zimbabwe tour will change perceptions, says SLC President

"Wettimuny was awe-struck by the response from the crowd. He said I have never seen such fervor from the spectators. He also said that the security arrangements were good. He said he will tell the Sri Lanka Cricket Board about all of it.

"But I want to plead that please we should not jump to conclusions about anything. They are not coming in September; it was just a suggestions that they can visit Pakistan in September if they can. They can come whenever they feel comfortable."

COMMENTS (2)

Ashraf | 9 years ago | Reply Really? Didn't he read what the players' union rep said the other day? In spite of "fool proof" security there was a suicide blast just outside the stadium. The players were lucky. Concealing information does not mean security.

LawaTimes | 9 years ago | Reply Its too early to say at this stage. Bring another team, and even better one, to establish this.

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