Desperate to revive cricket in Pakistan, the country’s cricket Board is counting on every possible help from neighbours India. On Monday, Pakistan Cricket Board chief Shahryar Khan said that legendary Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid may also come for an exhibition match.
With no international cricket in the country since the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009, Pakistan’s cricket facilities have been stagnating. International Cricket Council refuses to endorse international cricket in the strife-torn nation. Pakistan have been playing their ‘home’ series in the UAE.
Khan, a former diplomat, though has been busy visiting countries in the subcontinent in a bid to convince his counterparts to send teams to Pakistan. He also met former India spinner Bishan Singh Bedi recently.
“Bedi came to see me and he told me that he can bring an Indian XI for an exhibition game, with retired players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid to Pakistan,” Khan was quoted as saying.
In April this year, Pakistan and India also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to play six series — four of which to be hosted by Pakistan — between 2015-2023.
Pakistan will host India for two Tests, three one-days and a Twenty20 in December 2015, likely in United Arab Emirates.
Bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan though suffered in the past due to political tensions. Khan though said ICC chairman N. Srinivasan has been positive on the matter.
“I met Srinivasan in Dubai on Sunday and he has said ‘come what may I am committed to the six series’ and he has his government’s approval,” he said.
