David Richardson claims Pakistan would have to wait for return of international cricket
ICC’s General Manager Cricket and former South African wicket-keeper batsman, David Richardson, has ruled out the possibility of international cricket returning to Pakistan any time soon.
The official claimed that the ICC was keen on the revival of international cricket in the country but would have to wait for approval from cricket boards around the world.
He added that the ICC cannot force its member boards to tour any country, yet they can try and convince them once the security situation improves in the terror ravaged country, which has seen tumultuous times recently.
In the last decade or so, most of the leading teams from around the world had shown reluctance to travel to Pakistan, especially after the 9/11 incident, which initiated the ‘War on Terror’ in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Afghanistan-c745 and western border areas of Pakistan.
The last nail in the coffin for Pakistan hosting international cricket was when the Sri Lankan team was ambushed outside the Qaddafi stadium in Lahore on their way to the ground during the second Test match of a two matches’ series in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/March-c74391 2009.
"It's useless to talk about bringing back international cricket to Pakistan", http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Richardson-c85395 told reporters in Karachi. "I think once there is an improvement in the security conditions and arrangements then teams can be convinced to start looking at playing in Pakistan again".
In the aftermath of the horrific attack, which injured five Sri Lankan cricketers, besides killing seven people including policemen, Pakistan was stripped of its rights to co-host the 2011 World Cup with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747, which starts next month.
"It might take a lot of time but it doesn't mean that the game cannot progress here. The PCB should concentrate on promoting the domestic structure. According to me, that's the only way to keep the game going”, added Richardson, who toured Pakistan with the South African team in 1994.
Richardson flew down to Karachi from Dubai, where he works in ICC head-quarters, to watch the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier first-class tournament, which is being played under lights at the National Stadium.
This is the first time a first-class match was being played under lights in Pakistan. Orange balls are being used in the match instead of the traditional red balls used for first class and Test matches.
"The ICC is working on several recommendations to make Test cricket more interesting and the day-night option sounds very interesting. I am here to see whether it's feasible to conduct Test matches under lights using orange balls. The PCB has taken a good decision to hold the final of the five-day domestic tournament under lights and it will help popularize the sport as well".
The match is in its third day and the two teams taking part in the final, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-International-Airlines-c831, and, Habib Bank, who have been rivals for a long time, have found the going tough with the orange ball.
Most batsmen from either team have struggled to make an impact with the willow, albeit Test discard, Imran Farhat, scored an impressive century for the Bankers on the second day of the match.
His crucial innings helped Habib Bank take a slender lead against PIA, who are batting in their second innings today.
Meanwhile, the cricketing pundits in Pakistan have hailed the visit of Richardson, who can convey to the governing body, that cricket was alive and kicking in Pakistan. Despite the prevailing situation, the spirits of the fans, who consider the game as big as religion, have not been dampened.
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