'Would love for teams to consider coming here' - Kumar Sangakkara hopes that international cricket returns to Pakistan

Former Sri Lankan Captain and the current president of the Marylebone Cricket Club [MCC] returned to Pakistan after a hiatus of ten years. Sangakkara, who belongs to a list of select few batsmen who scored in excess of ten thousand runs in both Test and on-site International cricket, was part of the Sri Lankan touring party which was attacked by a group of terrorists in Lahore back in 2009, post which International cricket came to a standstill in Pakistan.

But, in the last six months, concerted efforts have been made by the Pakistan Cricket Board to revive international cricket back in the country. And, Sangakkara’s visit in his capacity as the MCC president along with his team was another effort towards alluring International sides to start touring Pakistan again.

The MCC arrived in Lahore on February 13 where they played a 50-over match followed by three T20 matches in Lahore. And, unlike the past ordeal, Sangakkara reveals that enjoyed coming back to the country where he indulged in exploring Lahore by playing golf and also by visiting the historic Lahore fort besides enjoying sumptuous dinners and hospitality across Lahore.

“It’s been great to be back in Pakistan. It’s been a long time since I came here and it has been even longer for the MCC. For us, it has been about coming here and playing cricket in support of Pakistan’s journey of getting international cricket back.

It’s important that, when you are in a country on a tour, you’re not confined to a hotel, but you can go around and enjoy the city and the country you’re in,” Sangakkara said as quoted by cricketpakistan.com.pk.

Kumar Sangakkara hopes international cricket returns to Pakistan

Sangakkara revealed that the message that they will be taking back from Paksitan is the warmth and welcome of the spectators, who passionately support the players to elevate their on-field performance.

“The message we will be taking back is about the warmth of the people, the welcome of the fabulous spectators who came to watch cricket, the passion the players and people have for it and our own experiences of playing here and travelling about in Lahore.

“We would love for teams to consider coming here so that international cricket can finally come back to Pakistan in full force,” Sangakkara said.

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