Shoaib Akhtar optimistic about Test cricket returning to Pakistan

Shoaib Akhtar, the former Pakistan fast bowler is optimistic about Test cricket’s return to his country. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) successfully hosted Independence Cup last week during which the team played against the World XI side which included renowned international players. The home team won the series while attempting to revive the game of cricket in the country which was extremely successful.

The World XI side was led by South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis boasted of players like Darren Sammy, Grant Elliott, Hashim Amla amongst others. All the players felt safe whilst in the country and most of them expressed their happiness on visiting Pakistan. However, it remains to be seen if the longest format of the game is played in the country as Sri Lanka and Windies are set to visit for T20Is only.

We have good enough security now

The Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar was hopeful of the return of Test cricket in the country and expressed his opinion on what needs to be done to restore it. “The biggest issue until now was security, which we (Pakistan) have proven we are capable of providing. We definitely need our ground staff to be able to prepare pitches with varying conditions,” he stated in an interview with Sportstar.

He also said that the purest form of cricket has lost its glitter and is unable to fill the stadiums like before. But he did not forget to say that the trend could be reversed if the bowlers are provided with an equal platform.

“The subcontinent is drier, which makes it a batting paradise. Our bowlers need harder pitches to excel. In my view, the bowlers need an equal platform to perform like it happens in England, South Africa and Australia. Once this is achieved and teams are able to book their opponents for meagre totals, the interest in Test cricket shall return,” Akhtar added before concluding.