ICC Needs to Do More to Support International Cricket to Pakistan – Sarfaraz Ahmed

Pakistan limited-overs captain Sarfaraz Ahmed appealed to the ICC and its member boards on Friday to do more to support the international cricket’s return to the country. He has been retained as captain of the national ODI and T20 teams for the upcoming series. Although, the Pakistan Cricket Board has been in a problematic situation for their upcoming series against Sri Lanka as many Sri Lanka players have stepped out from the series.

Earlier, the news came in the limelight that India have hands behind the series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka where many Sri Lanka players don’t want to travel to Pakistan. But Pakistan captain refused to talk on that matter.

“I don’t know anything about this nor can I say who is behind the threat to Sri Lankan Board but I just think the ICC and member boards needs to do more to support the return of international cricket to Pakistan,” he said in the press conference.

However, he said that Pakistan had always supported Sri Lanka when they were in a difficult situation. The Pakistan board sent their under-19 team to Sri Lanka after the Easter bomb attacks in Sri Lanka. He further said that Pakistan could only request the Sri Lankan team to tour the country and they would be provided foolproof security by the PCB, like the way international player get in PSL matches.

“The security situation has improved a lot and in the last few years we have successfully hosted cricket without any problem and there have been no security issues,” said Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Sarfaraz also backed the new domestic structure where he is leading the Sindh provincial squad.

“Everyone’s target is to improve Pakistan cricket. Earlier, it seemed like a few players will have to sit out (from domestic teams) but from the teams that have been formed, it looks like this will not happen and most of the players are included in (domestic) teams. Competition will increase and the boys will work hard and invest their 100 per cent in order to make it to the provincial teams,” he concluded.