PCB in talks over International cricket returning to Pakistan in 2017

After the terror attack on the Sri Lankan team’s bus in 2009, teams are not in favour of touring Pakistan to play cricket. After six long years, International cricket returned to the Asian nation last year when Zimbabwe toured Pakistan to play in 2 T20Is and 3 ODIs. Since then, the fans in Pakistan are longing for other teams to tour the country.

Neighbours Afghanistan were in line to tour Pakistan to play three ODIs and a four-day game against Pakistan A. But, the Afghan body changed their stance on the tour after a blast near the Gadaffi stadium a month before the tentative tour period. The wait is set to end soon as the fans in Pakistan might see some International cricket in their country soon.

According to some sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), International cricket might make a comeback to the country in 2017. The source also revealed that the teams in contention of touring Pakistan are West Indies and Sri Lanka. If things go well, the series will take place after the conclusion of the 2017 Pakistan Super League (PSL), the finals of which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan on 9th March 2017.

“Yes, top PCB officials are engaged in talks with their counterparts in West Indies and Sri Lankan cricket boards and hopefully one of the teams from these countries will tour Pakistan after the conclusion of Pakistan Super League (PSL),” the source said AFP.

There were speculations over the venue for the PSL finals and the source refused to give a confirmation on this. Earlier, PCB executive committee chief Najam Sethi had hinted about the same prospect of having International cricket in Pakistan on a TV show. However, he did not to disclose the teams that the PCB are holding talks with. “We are in the process, as we speak, of finalising the dates [of the series]. I won’t say much more than that. And I hope we will give you some good news, soon,” the PCB chief executive said.

In the last 7 years, Pakistan didn’t play a single Test at home as they play their home matches in UAE. International cricket returning to Pakistan will be a welcome move and the teams around the world might take inspiration to tour the nation in the future.