Pakistan News: Mixed feelings of excitement, gratitude and obligation ->
Pakistan welcomed Bangladesh’s decision to tour Pakistan later this month for a T20I and an ODI, with different quarters responding in unison to the bold decision by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Pakistan foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar stated: "PCB's efforts have finally borne fruit and Bangladesh team's visit will help bring international cricket back to Pakistan and will motivate more teams to come to our country." The most important voice from the government circles was from interior minister Rehman Malik who will preside over all the security arrangements along with the Punjab government. He said: "We will leave no stone unturned and put in place the best possible security for the Bangladesh team as per our promise and make this tour an exemplary one so that other teams also tour us."
Pakistan foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar stated: "PCB's efforts have finally borne fruit and Bangladesh team's visit will help bring international cricket back to Pakistan and will motivate more teams to come to our country." The most important voice from the government circles was from interior minister Rehman Malik who will preside over all the security arrangements along with the Punjab government. He said: "We will leave no stone unturned and put in place the best possible security for the Bangladesh team as per our promise and make this tour an exemplary one so that other teams also tour us."
His interior ministry as well as the existing Punjab government under governor’s rule ware severely criticized for the security lapse that resulted in infamous Lahore incident in 2009. Pakistan became a ‘no go area’ for the visiting teams ever since.Pakistan players too welcomed Bangladeshi initiative. Shahid Afridi, while opining that security situation had improved since Lahore incident, said: "It's a major breakthrough and I am excited to see Bangladesh touring Pakistan. It is a much-needed development. Not only will it revive international cricket here, the people in the country will also be entertained.
"Obviously the incident in Lahore (terror attack) was unfortunate but Pakistan has learnt its lessons. I understand the security concerns are up on their minds but things have improved and everything will go well. I have always believed that cricket is a game which keeps a relationship cordial between two countries. All countries should support Pakistan in a time of difficulty."
Saeed Ajmal incidentally has played all his Tests away but relief at being able to play at home after a long time. "Playing our home series in Pakistan is always helpful," He said. "Though we have been playing in similar conditions in UAE, there are so many factors involved that give you the advantage. The news about Bangladesh touring Pakistan is good for players and the country."
Rashid Latif cautioned Pakistan authorities to make best of arrangements for the guests: “We must not leave any loopholes in security because we cannot afford a minor mistake or any lapse in arrangements. “Other teams will also be motivated after Bangladesh tour but we have to make the best arrangements.”
After a tumultuous period in Pakistan cricket under Ijaz Butt, things have started moving in the right direction for Pakistan cricket, both on and off the field. PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf’s efforts are bearing fruit. After Bangladesh’s tour, the next project would be the launch of proposed Pakistan Premiere League (PPL) in October.
