Pakistan should not be isolated from the game just because of something that happened ten years ago: Michael Holding

Ever since the Sri Lankan team was attacked by a group of terrorists ten years ago, International cricket came to a standstill in Pakistan. Since then, concerted efforts have been made by the PCB to get the game rolling back on the Pakistani shores. Another attempt has been made this year with the Sri Lankans currently in the country for a series of 3 ODIs and as many T20Is across Karachi and Lahore.

While ten cricketers from Sri Lanka including the likes of T20I skipper Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera, and Angelo Matthews backed out of the Pakistan tour, it is still being looked like a significant step towards restoring the game back in the cricket-mad nation. Several former Pakistani cricketers have voiced their opinion about bringing cricket back and they have now received what comes as a massive endorsement from one of the greats of the game, former Windies bolter- the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of fast bowling- Michael Holding is in Karachi currently and was hosted for dinner by former Pakistani captain, Shahid Afridi.

Shahid Afridi took to Twitter to express his honor in hosting the legendary Michael Holding and went on to thank the concerned person for arranging the visit and also to former Pakistani batsman Saeed Anwar for joining the duo. “A real honor to host the legendary Michael Holding for a dinner at home. Thank you, Dr. Kashif, for arranging Michael’s visit to Karachi. Also, thank you to Saeed Anwar for joining us. Great to have some legends visit me,” tweeted Afridi.

A real honour to host the legendary Michael Holding for a dinner at home. Thank you Dr Kashif for arranging Michael's visit to Karachi. Also thank you to Saeed Anwar for joining us. Great to have some legends visit me. pic.twitter.com/Rg2JQnDxXx

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 29, 2019

“If I had any apprehension or fear of security, I wouldn’t have come to Pakistan”

On being asked whether he felt any apprehensions about his security while coming to Pakistan, Holding in his typical nonchalant manner shrugged it off, alluding that he wouldn’t have come to Pakistan had he had any apprehensions, and also went on to say that Pakistan should not be isolated from the game just because of something happened 10 years ago [referring to the dastardly attacks on Sri Lankan team in March 2009.

“If I had any apprehension or fear of security, I wouldn’t have come to Pakistan. I have no problem here. It is good and encouraging news that the Sri Lankans are here in Pakistan to play international matches. It’s useful to have security precautions which obviously is every country’s priority and Pakistan is not any different, but Pakistan should not be isolated from the game just because of something that happened ten years ago.” Holding was quoted by The Dawn.

The former Windies fast bowler is also expected to be in attendance for the 2nd One-day between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the National Stadium Karachi.