By Omar Khalid, IANS,
Karach: International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat said Wednesday that Pakistan has plenty of international cricket coming up in three formats and it shows that the country has not been isolated by terrorist violence at home.
“It’s a great pleasure to be heading back to Pakistan. We are always assured of a warm welcome there,” said Lorgat. “Pakistan is the defending ICC World Twenty20 champion. So I have no doubt Shahid Afridi and his team will be working hard to retain the title they deservedly won in England last year.
“There is a real excitement building in the West Indies now and it looks like it’s going to be a tournament to remember. For those supporters not lucky enough to be following the Pakistan team all the way to the Caribbean, they won’t have to miss a ball thanks to the great work of our broadcast partner ESPN STAR Sports. Millions of television sets all over Pakistan will be tuning in to follow the defending champion’s fortunes.
“Pakistan has plenty of international cricket coming up in all three formats of the game over the next few months. That is hugely important considering it is not possible for the national team to play on home soil at present.
“The international cricket that is planned shows that Pakistan has not been isolated by the unfortunate circumstances at home,” he said, referring to growing terrorist attacks. “It is vital the team continues to play regularly, even if that is at a neutral venue.”