*ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s newly appointed head coach on Wednesday urged thecricket world to better help his country’s efforts to revive internationalmatches, damaged by security problems in the last decade.*
Misbah-ul-Haq’s request comes two days before Pakistan takes on Sri Lankain a series of three one-day internationals, the first in the country forfour years, and as many Twenty20 internationals.
The Sri Lanka team was attacked in Lahore in 2009 and since then mostinternational teams have refused to tour the South Asian country, leavingPakistan to play nearly all their “home” games in the United Arab Emirates.
Zimbabwe was the first country to return in 2015, with Pakistan hosting theWest Indies, Sri Lanka, and a World XI team since then.
The current series was hit by withdrawals of ten top Sri Lankan playersover security fears but Sri Lanka’s cricket board received the all-clearfrom the defence ministry last week.
“Cricket world needs to do more, not only for Pakistan but for any countrywhere it is hit,” said Misbah, under who Pakistan play their first ODI onFriday.
The remaining two matches will also be held in Karachi on Sunday andWednesday.
The three T20Is will be in Lahore on October 5, 7 and 9.
Misbah never captained any of his 56 Tests in Pakistan and he praised SriLanka — who arrived under heavy security — for the tour.
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“I know it would have been a tough decision for Sri Lanka to tour,” hesaid. “Pakistan is a cricket-loving country and it would be injustice todeprive them of international cricket, so I hope that the world willsupport us more and more.”
It had been 10 years since the attacks, Misbah said, adding he hoped moreinternational teams would consider touring his nation and others likePakistan.
“Otherwise the survival of cricket will be difficult.”
Misbah said his team — the majority of who will be playing a one-dayinternational at home for the first time — were excited for the match.
Skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, and Wahab Riaz havefeatured in an ODI in Pakistan before.
“It’s a special moment for all of us and players are excited as well asemotional, playing before their home fans and at home ground, so it’sreally special.” -APP/AFP
