In what may revive international cricket at home, British Prime Minister David Cameron has said he hopes England cricket team will tour Pakistan in the near future.
“I hope that one day, in the not too distant future, I will be able to wish the England cricket team a successful tour of Pakistan,” the British premier said. Cameron’s written message to the Pakistani team ahead of their tour of England was delivered by the British high commissioner during an iftar-cum-dinner in Lahore.
In his message, the British prime minister said that cricketing relations between Pakistan and England reflect wider cultural links between the two nations.
“A UK tour by Pakistan’s cricket teams is always an exciting prospect and I am sure we can expect some exceptional cricket this summer. But this trip also provides an opportunity to pause to reflect on, and celebrate, the wider historical, cultural and community links that exist between our two great cricketing nations,” he said.
“As you break your fast together on the eve of your departure to the UK, please accept my very best wishes for the holy month of Ramazan. I hope that both the men and women’s teams have a fantastic stay in Britain,” Cameron further wrote.
Pakistan will leave for London this weekend for a tour of England after a six-year gap. Misbahul Haq is going to lead Pakistan into their most challenging Test tour in years.
“The England tour is going to be tough so we have been preparing extensively for it,” Misbah said, while speaking to The Express Tribune. “We will prepare further when we get there. We will play a couple of four-day games before the first Test (at Lord’s from July 14), which should help us acclimatise well.”
Test cricket in England is generally a test of batting skills and temperament, especially for batsmen brought up on flat Asian tracks. Misbah, who is yet to play a Test there, is aware of the challenge the seaming and swinging conditions pose. But rather than overcomplicating things, the 61-Test veteran wants his players to play with a clear mind.