Australian Higher Commissioner in Pakistan, Peter Heyward has praised the efforts of Pakistan Cricket Board in bringing back international cricket to Pakistan and said he is looking forward to resumption of international cricket in Pakistani arenas in near future.
“It is good to see high standard cricket facilities in Pakistan available, specially at Lahore where National Cricket Academy is also located and in the presence of such facilities It is my desire to see international cricket returning to Pakistan,” he told newsmen after his visit to National Cricket Academy alongwith Chairman ,PCB, Chaudhary Zaka Asrhaf here on Monday at NCA. Peter Heyward said Chairman PCB apprised him of the steps PCB is taking for the resumption of international cricket in Pakistan.
He said Australia and Pakistan are currently playing at UAE in an interesting one day cricket series which stands level at 1-1 and as an Australian it is his desire to see his team winning the match to wrap up the series on a victorious note.
“Even if they (Australian team) do not win the third match then they have the opportunity in the T-20 series and I am sure that Australian team can put a better show to win it,” he asserted.
He said PCB will be organizing an international T-20 series in near future and he would love to see the participation of Australian players in the mega event.
The Australian High Commissioner said it was not his domain to decide the visit of the Australian team to Pakistan as the Australian Government, Cricket Australia and the Australian cricketers can decide this issue with a mutual understanding. “ I cannot say when Australian team will visit Pakistan but it is my desire to see them playing in Pakistan,” he said adding “ It is the Australian Government who will finally decide about it,” he said.
When asked if he is going to write to his Government regarding the visit of Australian team to Pakistan, he said, he sends reports to his Government on regular basis in which such issues and aspects are highlighted.
“I think that there are some reasons that why international cricket in not being played in Pakistan and one of the main factor is the security as there are some security issues in some cities of Pakistan,” he said adding “ Though the situation is improving and is quite better in Lahore but at the same certain incidents are happening in other cities “.
He described Cricket Pakistan’s top most sport in which youth was taking extra ordinary interest. “ Cricket is highly popular in Pakistan and it is being played at every street and corner of Pakistan which speaks volume of youth’s interest in it,” he said adding “ It is my desire to see my team and other foreign teams playing in Pakistan in front of lovers of the game and it is imperative for Pakistan cricket that international cricket returns to Pakistan, the sooner it will be better “.
Later the Chairman, PCB presented a souvenir to the Australian High Commissioner.
