Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Zaka Ashraf has said that the Bangladesh tour was confirmed after the International Cricket Council recognized the series and the visit of the tigers would pave the way for other teams’ tour to Pakistan. Addressing a press conference here at the National Cricket Academy on his return after attending the ICC meeting, Ashraf said that the ICC has agreed upon sending its officials and referees to Pakistan. He also revealed that the Pakistan Premier League will be held in October.
Giving details of the Bangladesh series, Ashraf said that they will come to Pakistan on April 28.
Bangladesh confirmed that they will tour the country for a One-Day International (ODI) and one Twenty20 match at the end of this month.
The ODI is slated for April 29 with the Twenty20 taking place the next day — both matches will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
“I’m pleased to confirm this visit,” said Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Mustafa Kamal in a statement. “I know how important it is for the PCB to revive cricket in their country. This short visit will demonstrate to the world that cricket should resume in Pakistan.”
Ashraf added that Pakistan had played an important part in Bangladesh gaining status as a test playing nation.
He said that complete security would be provided to the visitors. He said it was his first priority to restore International cricket in the country.
The chairman said that Bangladesh’s visit would give confidence to other cricket playing nations. He also thanked all the member boards of ICC on supporting Pakistan.
Bangladesh will be the first Test-playing nation to tour Pakistan since a gun attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009 ended their ongoing tour.
Since then, Pakistan has played its home series on neutral venues and was also stripped of the rights to co-host last year’s World Cup.
Afghanistan, International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Associate Member, was the only side to play in Pakistan during the period.
Ashraf also said that Pakistan is now a safe place to play cricket in, adding that terrorism was at its peak in 2009 but this was not so now.
“Times have changed,” said Ashraf, adding that the university teams from England who came to Pakistan did not face any threats and gave positive feedback after returning home.
He applauded the efforts of the Punjab government and police as well as the role of the media in this regard. “Pakistan is a safe place to play cricket in,” he said.
The pic says it all.They are lying.Look at the faces.PCB has disappointed some secs of society more than others.People had made plans to travel all the way from Peshawar to watch the boys.Disappointment is enormous.PCB SHOULD STOP FOOLING THE PUBLIC.As for as B’Desh is concerned,they have lived up to their traits and sought the help of poor Judges for fear of Indians who terrorise them.Now let us see how Zaka Ashraf responds!!!
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