Indian members of Canadian cricket club denied Pakistan visas – Cricket News Update
After the much dreaded cricketing drought in Pakistan, the PCB (http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 Cricket Board), with assistance from former skipper Rashid Latif, has been working to organize the 2nd edition of Pakistan Champions League, which will see 32 teams battling
it out. However, Canada’s Berry Cricket Club recently pulled out of the tournament after three of its players faced visa issues.
“BCC agreed to take part but three of their Indian players failed to get visas which means they won’t be coming here,”
The Express Tribune learnt from a member of the committee tasked with organizing the event.
It is not yet clear why the players were denied visas; however, the issue has dented BCC’s plans of participating in the tournament which is scheduled to kick off from May 21, 2012, in Karachi. The event boasts the participation of local and national teams
from http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Saudi-Arabia-c3000.
Security issues have been the main concern behind foreign teams’ reluctance in touring Pakistan, especially after the 2009 attack on the touring Lankan side, which resulted in several casualties and injuries. This event is aimed at promoting Pakistan internationally,
proving that the country is capable of hosting cricketing events.
“We will provide fool-proof security from the hotels to the grounds and they will be in close vicinity of their hotels. Our aim is build a soft image of Pakistan so that sporting activities can resume. We want to tell the world that we are a sports and peace
loving nation,” explained Asif and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Rashid-Latif-c84084, both of whom are involved in organizing the much hyped cricketing event.
Pakistani players have been deprived of cricket since the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mumbai-c820 attacks in 2008 and the one on the Lankan team in 2009. The Green Shirts were unable to invite any international team over, and eventually have had to play their home fixtures on neutral venues
like the UAE.
On the other hand, the success of domestic leagues like the Indian Premier League, has moved cricket in a new direction, with the hosting nation’s local talent being groomed playing alongside international stars. Since Pakistani players have categorically
been ignored in the IPL, the board has been formulating its very own, Pakistani Premier League, which is anticipated to start in September this year. It remains to be seen whether the efforts made by the board and former players can yield positive results
for the betterment of Pakistani cricket.
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