Credit to players and ICC for braving perceptions and playing in Pakistan: Ramiz Raja

Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja believes that welcome change of having cricket back again in the nation has ensured that “cricketing fraternity will not let Pakistan be left behind”. No country has toured Pakistan apart from the Zimbabwe cricket team, in the last eight years. International cricket has not taken place in the cricket loving nation, since the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in 2009.

The Zimbabwe side had agreed to play cricket in the nation back in 2015, and that was the only home series for the green army since 2009. But things have changed. After hosting a successful PSL final in Lahore, earlier this year; Pakistan is set to host the World XI in a series of 3 T20 matches. The touring side will be led by Faf du Plessis. 

Ramiz credits ICC

In his column on ICC website published on Friday (September 8), Raja said the upcoming T20 series will open the doors for other teams to visit the Asian country. “The tour by the World XI will hopefully lead to resumption of a regular international cricket calendar in Pakistan,” Raja wrote. “Credit must go to the players and the ICC for braving perceptions and possible personal pleadings by family and friends to look at the larger picture. The larger picture being – you need us, we need you. That is the only essential for cricket to survive.”

The impact of 2009 attack

He also mentioned the impact of the 2009 attack, and how it has changed the perception of the world wide audience. “With the passage of time, cricketing wilderness set in across the country. It affected the national psyche and perceptions about Pakistan as a safe country for cricket grew murky. But naturally, it gave way to an emotional and economic meltdown.” he said.

Despite the lack of home advantage, Pakistan were impressive on most occasions. Dubai was announced as the adopted home venue for Pakistan, as they hosted other international teams across all three formats. Pakistan reached the summit by becoming the no.1 Test side, apart from leveling the Test series in England and more recently, lifting the Champions Trophy.

Raja said “Pakistan made a strong case for bringing world cricket back home by playing impressively out of home. Wins in the UAE, rising to No.1 in Tests, two successful editions of the PSL, and a frustrating-to-a-magical run at the ICC Champions Trophy.”