International Cricket Back In Pakistan

After dreadful attack on Sri Lankan players by terrorists while they were leaving from the hotel to stadium to play a cricket match in Karachi, Pakistan has not seen a single international cricket match over the last nine years. All the cricket playing nations in the world have decided not play in the country as it was unsafe for the players.

Now, after nine years, West Indies is sending their team to play a series in Pakistan. The Carrebiean nation will be playing with the hosts three T20 international matches and all would be played in Karachi from Aril 1-3. The whole nation is excited about international cricket back into their neighbourhood.

The country’s former captain and all-rounder Shoaib Malik, who was part of Pakistan squad that played the last international match in Karachi nine years ago – a Test match against Sri Lanka – welcomed the return of international cricket to Pakistan, saying that both fans and players were missing action at this venue.

“Karachi is Pakistan’s biggest city and economic hub, it’s a good sign that cricket is returning here. Congratulations to Pakistan Cricket Board and Karachi administration,” the all rounder said.

“People in Karachi and also cricketers have missed playing here. The city hosted PSL final, and here’s to hoping for another successful event in Karachi. I am confident that Karachi, after being deprived of cricket for so long, will get some entertaining cricket and send a signal to the world that we can host cricket here. People here are very loving and it is reflected from the tweets of foreign players who recently visited Karachi for PSL.”

Talking about impending West Indies series, Malik said that the West Indies team need not be taken easily since all the players selected are new. He said Pakistan can’t be complacent about them and will have to work to play good cricket.

Shoaib Malik agreed that Pakistan would have an advantage of playing at home. He hailed the inclusion of youngsters in Pakistan squad. “Being a senior, one must be consistent with their performance. A senior is not just responsible for his own performance, he must also help youngsters to grow,” he said.