‘Pak must work more to host int’l cricket’
7 Jan 2013 2:03 AM GMT
Pakistan need to work further on the security front in order to convince international sides to come and play cricket in their country, feels the International Cricket Council (ICC). Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the third ODI between India and Pakistan at Feroze Shah Kotla stadium on Sunday, ICC chief executive Dave Richardson said it’s too early to comment whether Pakistan is prepared to host international matches.
‘We have to ask security officials whether Pakistan is safe as venue. It’s a difficult situation and I think they still have lots to do to convince international teams to tour Pakistan,’ Richardson said. No Test playing country has toured Pakistan since March 2009, following terror attacks on the visiting Sri Lankan team. Though Bangladesh agreed to play in Pakistan later this month, it later called off the tour on security grounds.
Richardson, however, was impressed by the resumption of bilateral ties between two south Asian powerhouses. ‘Luckily we always have ICC events where the coutries can play each other. Apart from those, both India and Pakistan should determine how frequently they play. Talks are on between BCCI and PCB, hope they can work out something. ICC will always encourage more cricketing ties between India and Pakistan,’ he said.
Richardson also defended India skipper MS Dhoni who’s leadership skills, as well as place in the side, have come under scanner following the team’s dismal performance since the past one year. ‘If he’s a good captain, which he is, he should remain at the job.
‘The only way you judge a keeper is by how much he misses and Dhoni doesn’t miss many.
Commenting on providing a separate window to IPL in ICC’s Future Tours Programme, Richardson said, ‘Most countries provide it without formally being provided. The domestic T20 league must co-exist wth international cricket. IPL’s a a big event, providing lots of employments to many To provide windows to all the other T20 leagues taking place across the globe.’
‘We have to ask security officials whether Pakistan is safe as venue. It’s a difficult situation and I think they still have lots to do to convince international teams to tour Pakistan,’ Richardson said. No Test playing country has toured Pakistan since March 2009, following terror attacks on the visiting Sri Lankan team. Though Bangladesh agreed to play in Pakistan later this month, it later called off the tour on security grounds.
Richardson, however, was impressed by the resumption of bilateral ties between two south Asian powerhouses. ‘Luckily we always have ICC events where the coutries can play each other. Apart from those, both India and Pakistan should determine how frequently they play. Talks are on between BCCI and PCB, hope they can work out something. ICC will always encourage more cricketing ties between India and Pakistan,’ he said.
Richardson also defended India skipper MS Dhoni who’s leadership skills, as well as place in the side, have come under scanner following the team’s dismal performance since the past one year. ‘If he’s a good captain, which he is, he should remain at the job.
‘The only way you judge a keeper is by how much he misses and Dhoni doesn’t miss many.
Commenting on providing a separate window to IPL in ICC’s Future Tours Programme, Richardson said, ‘Most countries provide it without formally being provided. The domestic T20 league must co-exist wth international cricket. IPL’s a a big event, providing lots of employments to many To provide windows to all the other T20 leagues taking place across the globe.’
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