Of all the countries I've been to, Pakistan is the best by an absolute mile: Rob Key

Former English player and England’s Managing Director of Cricket Rob Key has said that Pakistan is the nicest country he has ever visited. During Australia’s tour of Pakistan, Key was one of the commentators, and the 42-year-old stated that England’s impression of the country is incorrect. He also revealed that he was taken care of better than ever.

Pakistan hosted Australia for the first time after 1998 as the two teams played three Test series, as many ODIs, and a one-off T20I. The visitors defeated the hosts in the Test series by 1-0, but Pakistan bounced back to clinch the ODI series 2-1. The tour ended with Australia winning the only T20I.

“I was a bit nervous before when I came out here, I knew very little about Pakistan but I know it was two very good teams and a historic tour, it’s been a privilege to be part of it,” Key said in a video released by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“I think in England, we have this perception of Pakistan there’s nowhere near right actually, we have no idea how good it really is and it’s just been fantastic. I think hospitality is second to none, all the countries I’ve been to this is the best by an absolute mile,” he added.

The series ended on a high note as the world witnessed some really good moments in the game. From bad pitches to epic encounters to iconic victories – the series saw it all. The historic series paved way for England, New Zealand, and West Indies to travel to Pakistan, as the three nations will be travelling Pakistan in the upcoming season.

Cummins bowling to Babar during Tests was the highlight of the tour: Rob Key

Key also felt that Pat Cummins and Babar Azam facing each other was one of the best instances of the series. “I think probably the moments I remember the most are when you had probably two of the best in the world going at it which only Test cricket can bring,” he said.

“So especially in the second Test when Cummins was bowling at the top of his game against Babar Azam who was at the top of his game, they were the moments because Test cricket is about the journey. It is not always about the results and seeing those two go at it in last innings, that’s as good as it gets,” he added.

In his concluding words, he praised Pakistan’s hospitality and the delicacies. “Pakistan is one of the great countries actually it is one of place you have to come and you have to see the food is better than anywhere else and there’s a very good golf course in Lahore.”