Invitation World XI to Play in Pakistan
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Wisden Cricketer magazine reports that the International Cricket Council will send an invitational World XI to play in Pakistan to end the country’s sporting isolation following a terror attack on the Sri Lankan team at Lahore last year. The magazine quotes England Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke as saying “world cricket must go back and play in Pakistan.”
Clarke, head of the ICC’s Pakistan Task Team, writes in the September issue that the cricket community “must keep giving Pakistan cricket the chance to fund itself and move forward.” “Cricket cannot abandon a nation with such a magnificent history in the game, such wonderful players and such enthusiastic and knowledgeable supporters. It will be an historic moment when international cricket resumes in Pakistan and the first ICC team walks out,” he further said.
Counting the costs of no international cricket in Pakistan, Clarke said the losses came up to £27 million to £10 million, saying it was “a brutal impact that few enterprises could survive.” The ECB chief said his board plans on hosting more international matches and series for Pakistan in the next few years. “The atmosphere, the passionate support and, of course, the tremendous cricket played by the Pakistan team made it a compelling experience. The PCB’s economic needs make it imperative.”
No dates for the tour were revealed in a release issued by the magazine. Pakistan has played recent series at neutral venues.
posted @ 3:25 PM,
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