Will try to convince Australia, New Zealand to play in Pakistan, says PCB Chairman

Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi who has been championing the cause of bringing international cricket back to his country for a long time has provided hope for more international cricket in Pakistan during 2018, with a promise to cricket fans that he will try to convince Australia and New Zealand to play at least one match in Pakistan during their series later this year.

In a video message, the PCB chairman stated that 2017 was a productive and successful year for Pakistan and the new year will bring more success for them. Sethi, while pointing out that the return of international cricket to Pakistan was a big success in 2017, hinted that there will be more international cricket matches at home for the cricket fans.

“Last year was very good for cricket. PCB and our team have achieved a lot in 2017. It was the collective dedication and team spirit that we did well. We are on a winning streak and it will continue,” he said in the video message released by PCB.

In 2018, Australia are scheduled to play five ODIs and one T20I in October while New Zealand will also tour UAE for a full series of three tests, five ODIs and a T-20 in November. Apart from this, the smooth execution of the second edition of the PSL in Lahore paved way for talks of bringing the tournament to Karachi as well.

“We will have two PSL matches in Lahore and a final in Karachi. West Indies will also come to play three matches after PSL,” he said. “Then we are scheduled to host Australia and New Zealand for our home series in UAE. I will try my best to convince both of them to play at least one match in Pakistan during the series,” as reported by Geo News.

Sethi also recalled Pakistan’s success in 2017 and termed the inspiring Champions Trophy victory against India as the greatest moment in the recent history of Pakistan cricket.

“Champions Trophy win was a greatest moment in our history. Beating India, what a wonderful day, what a great day,” he recalled. We are now on track. We have achieved top position in T20Is and we will achieve same in ODIs too very soon,” he said.