Pakistan invites Afghanistan for their first ever recognized tour

In the recent line of events, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been trying their best to invite cricketing nations on their soil for some action. And, in the latest turn of developments, Pakistan have extended an invitation to Afghanistan’s national cricket team for a recognized tour for the first time. The officials informed that the tour has been proposed after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent visit to Kabul, who is deemed as one of the greatest players of the game.

The PCB chief executive Wasim Khan has stated that the tour will build a relationship of love and peace between the two nations. It was last in May 2011 when the Afghan national side went to Pakistan. However, they only played a second-string side, and the event was not given the status of first-class matches. Khan paid a visit to Afghan on Thursday and assured them to reduce violence and push for a ceasefire between the forces of Afghan and Taliban. It has been stated clearly that the series would be planned in 2021 and in case, it doesn’t happen, 2022 is definitely on cards.

“We’ll try to look for a possible window for this tour — and if not 2021, we’ll definitely try to plan a series in 2022 season. A cricket series between Pakistan and Afghanistan could be a harbinger of love and peace between the two countries,” said PCB chief executive Wasim Khan as quoted by NDTV.

Before making his debut in the world of politics, the Oxford graduate Khan was one of the leading cricketers in Pakistan. A brilliant all-rounder knew well enough how to swing the ball and attack the opposition’s bowling alongside. Being a second-tier member of the world’s cricket, Afghanistan’s unusual opponents are in form of Ireland, Scotland, and Hong Kong.

Pakistan will continue to help Afghan cricket: PCB Chief Executive

The Afghan nation got in touch with cricket only in the 1980s, when millions of them were sent for exile as refugees near Pakistan’s Peshawar which is just 36 miles away from their border.

“A strong Afghanistan means a strong Asian block… so Pakistan will continue to play its part and help Afghan cricket,” added Wasim while talking about their upcoming tour with Afghanistan.