International cricket likely to return Pakistan next year: Zaka Ashraf

By Nasir Qureshi Oct 22nd, 2012 ( 2 Comments )

Karachi: Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf has said that Pakistan will likely to host international matches next year.

Pakistan hosted series between Pakistan All Star XI and International World XI—including players from Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa and Afghanistan—in a bid to revive international cricket in the country.

”We are in negotiations with Bangladesh and Zimbabwe cricket boards,” Ashraf said on Sunday. ”I was in Colombo recently and I talked to them about sending their team.”

Ashraf lauded sports minister Dr. Mohammad Ali Shah for organising the matches in which former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya led the International World XI with players.

”I think these matches are a good step and Pakistan Cricket Board supported and encouraged these matches.

”Despite being private matches these matches generated lot of enthusiasm from the fans.”

Pakistan has not hosted any test-playing nation since gunmen attacked Sri Lanka team convoy at Lahore in March 2009.

”We are talking to two other boards as well, but I am not going to reveal the names,” he said. ”We have given them security plans and hope good results will come.

”We will give you good news regarding the resumption of international cricket in Pakistan very soon, maybe in 2013. I am sure the day is not far when we have big time cricket in Karachi, Lahore and other cities.”