Apex Cricket Body CEO optimistic about Test Cricket flourishing in Pakistan
Apex Cricket Body CEO Geoff Allardice said teams like Australia, England and New Zealand touring Pakistan for the Test series in 2022 is a huge step towards bringing cricket back to the nation on a regular basis.
Australia toured Pakistan for the first time in 24 years, earlier this year in March and played 3 Tests, as many ODIs and one T20I. England played 7 T20Is before the 20-20 World Cup and returned to play 3 Tests earlier in November-December. New Zealand will tour Pakistan for a two-match Test series starting from December 26.
Pakistan couldn’t host nations for cricket in their country after a terrorist attack on a Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009. Cricket finally returned to the country after several years as they hosted bilateral series against the likes of the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe in the past and even a World XI, led by Eoin Morgan for a three-match T20I series in 2017. However, major countries have returned to Pakistan to play Test Cricket this year only.
Concerns were raised when New Zealand and England withdrew from their tours last year, citing security reasons. However, both teams confirmed their tours for 2022.
“The fans in Pakistan are passionate about the game and passionate about their team, but most importantly they are welcoming of visitors,” Allardice told Pakistan Cricket.
“I have always had great experiences when I have travelled to Pakistan and I have been to see a few series over the last few years and the welcome is always very warm.”
It is a huge step forward to getting cricket back in Pakistan: Geoff Allardice
Pakistan will host reigning World Test champions New Zealand for two-Tests and three ODIs beginning in Karachi on December 26.
Allardice was optimistic about Test cricket attracting crowds in the stadiums in Pakistan at a time when major Test-playing nations such as Australia and England are seeing a noticeable drop in stadium attendance.
“Pakistan is one of the strongest cricketing countries in the Apex Cricket Body membership. To have series like this (versus England) taking place and fans travelling to Pakistan and New Zealand starting in a few days time for their Test series as well is a huge step forward to getting cricket back in Pakistan on a regular basis,” Allardice added.
