KARACHI: Encouraged by the peaceful organisation of home series against Sri Lanka, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ehsan Mani on Monday categorically stated that Pakistan will now play their home series in the country, writes Alam Zeb Safi.
“Pakistan will now play their home series in the country,” Mani told a news conference at the end of the historic second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka here at the National Stadium on Monday.
When he was asked that whether Pakistan would go for a neutral venue option in case of its series against India, Mani reiterated: “Pakistan will now play their home series on home soil.” Mani said that the PCB was in negotiation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) about the latter’s visit for a Test series to Pakistan.
“There should be absolutely no way that Bangladesh does not come to Pakistan. Sri Lanka have shown confidence because they trust us. The security team of Bangladesh had also come and was impressed with the security. I am hopeful Bangladesh will definitely come,” said Mani, also a former International Cricket Council (ICC) chief.
“India has more security issues than Pakistan. Incidents have also happened in New Zealand, Australia and England. I will not take any risk on the security of players but other nations will have to prove now that Pakistan is not safe for international cricket,” Mani said.
He said that 425 foreign players had shown interest to play Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Pakistan the coming season. “And this is the major indication that Pakistan is now safe for any kind of cricket,” Mani pointed out.
“Cricket Australia and English Cricket Board (ECB) security officials have already visited Pakistan. We had also invited players association’s representatives to show them what we are doing,” Mani recalled.
Terming Sri Lanka’s Test team visit to Pakistan as a landmark achievement Mani said the whole world now knows that Pakistan is safe for cricket.
“Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test series on home soil is definitely a real achievement. The whole world now knows that Pakistan is safe for cricket. The Sri Lankans are very happy with our arrangements,” Mani said.
Mani said that the recent Royal visit to Pakistan and the couple’s visit to National Cricket Academy (NCA) at Lahore and playing cricket with children is a big plus. He credited media and public for making revival of international cricket possible.
“Journalists played a key role as they are opinion-makers and the way media projected the matter is highly laudable. The PCB Chief Executive Waseem Khan also worked hard and people believed in him, just like me because I have been around in the ICC. I also appreciate the public who supported us in the cause,” the PCB chairman said.
Responding to a flurry of questions regarding former Pakistan captain and Test wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed, Mani said that the stumper can come back to the team after performing at the domestic level.
“I don’t interfere in selection matters. Chief selector has other selectors who are head coaches of the provincial associations teams besides coordinator Nadeem Khan. All these people are highly credible. Sarfraz is a gutsy cricketer and I hope he will regain his form by performing at the domestic level and will stage a comeback to the national team,” Mani said.
When he was pressed that had he taken a U-turn in Sarfraz issue, Mani said that he had never taken a U-turn but he had said that he would remain captain till the World Cup. Mani said that the Board now has a tough task ahead of making good pitches so that Pakistan could not face problems when they play abroad.
“Wickets are a big issue. Look here at the second Test, contrary to the Karachi’s tradition the wicket of the National Stadium helped bowlers for the first two days and then it turned easier for batting. We have invited the ICC pitch consultant and he will come in January to do audit of all the pitches in Pakistan,” Mani revealed.
He also conceded that the PCB will focus on national team’s performance, adding, more concentration will be given to the physical fitness of the players and their nutrition as it was very important for professionals.
About Cricket Committee, the PCB boss said that the Board aims to expand it by inducting some more members into it from provinces. “I want a strong committee so that it could challenge the coach, team management and even the Board,” Mani said.
from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2Qjmz2K
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