Former cricketer Rana Navedul Hasan on Wednesday the termed International Cricket Council (ICC) World XI’s tour to Pakistan as a milestone that would prove a valuable medium for Pakistan cricket.
The World XI will play three Twenty20s for the Independence Cup against Pakistan under lights at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on September 12, 13 and 15.
Talking to APP, Rana, also renowned as a specialist ‘death’ bowler, praised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi for his tremendous efforts in reviving international cricket in the country.
Rana hoped that everything goes well and World XI team’s tour to Pakistan leaves cherishable memories for the whole Pakistani nation. “Our nation is starving for international cricket and this news has given them a ray of hope to seeing international cricket once again,” he said.
Rana, who was voted the ‘2008 Man of the Tournament,’ also credited Sethi for organising two successful sessions of Pakistan Super League (PSL) saying it had helped in bringing talented youngsters to fore.
“Sethi is a seasoned man and is running cricket affairs very well,” he said. Speaking about the five year ban imposed on batsman Sharjeel Khan for his part in a match-fixing ring, Rana said it is a very good decision as anyone who is found guilty should be banned for life.
“We have to set examples for youngsters so that no one could even dream of bringing a bad name to the country,” he said. Rana’s career with Pakistan saw him take 110 wickets in 74 ODIs between 2003.
Mickey Arthur says Pakistan ‘safe for cricket’
Pakistan cricket team head coach Mickey Arthur terms World XI tour as Pakistan’s best chance to announce that it is safe for cricket.
While talking to British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), he said that Pakistan is a safe country to play cricket. He said that Pakistani fans will get to see their heroes after restoration of cricket which is great for nurturing talent in the country.
While talking about Pakistan s current pool of players, Arthur said that Sarfraz Ahmed is an aggressive captain and other senior players present in the team, he can play till the next World Cup 2019.
Arthur said that Pakistan has an immensely talented pool of young cricketers who can play an important role for Pakistan in the next World Cup. “We need to give these young cricketers more opportunities in the international arena,” he said.
