After more than two years, Pakistan is likely to witness international cricket action in its backyard with the International Cricket Council (ICC) mulling to send the World XI, comprising star players from around the world.
The idea is seen as a chance to pave the way for the return of Test and ODI cricket in the region.
The ICC is aware that Pakistan cannot continue indefinitely without staging any international cricket and is keen to offer support, The Independent reported.
The ICC is in the process of discussing the recruitment of potential players but is aware it will need cricketers at the top of their game — as well as Indian players to attract supporters in Pakistan and succeed in their plans, the report stated. Afghanistan played three limited-overs matches against Pakistan A in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Faisalabad in May, all without incident.
Nepal women’s team have also played in the country but only when the high-profile squad visits can there be any prospect of a return of regular fixtures.
If that succeeds – and, crucially, is seen to succeed – it may pave the way for the return of Test and limited-overs matches. Although the ICC is keen to proceed quickly, its biggest hurdle may be raising a team of sufficiently illustrious quality. The vast majority of players would be reluctant to travel, to the point of refusal.
The FCO website reports that 275,352 British nationals visited Pakistan last year and by far the majority had trouble-free journeys. The ICC is aware that Pakistan cannot continue indefinitely without staging any international cricket and is keen to offer support.
When the ICC’s Pakistan Task team reported in June, the second of its 63 recommendations was that when member countries were confident – following their own risk assessments – they should consider touring Pakistan once more. But the report also said: “Unfortunately, it is not possible to indicate, let alone definitively state, when it will be safe for teams to tour.” The problem for the ICC and part of its frustration is that Pakistan is reluctant to recognise that they have a problem. The last Test match played in the country was abandoned on March 9, 2009 after the Sri Lanka team bus was attacked by gunmen on its way to the ground in Lahore.
Pakistan, meanwhile, continue to play their home fixtures at neutral venues. Their preferred venue appears to be the United Arab Emirates, where England will play them in three Test matches, four one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches early next year.
