KARACHI – The International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive DavidRichardson has said that Pakistan is out of its most dangerous phase, whichis why international teams will be visiting Pakistan in the near future.
The ICC Chief addressed media in a press conference at the National Stadiumin Karachi.
“The PSL was a positive step. Cricket is slowly returning to the country.India is a signatory to ICC agreements. They are bound to play Pakistan asper schedule,” said Richardson. “Bilateral series however depend upon thetwo boards.”
On the question of India not playing Pakistan in the World Cup Richardsonexplained that all countries in the mega event are signatories of anagreement which binds them to play against each other.
“If a team decides not to play a particular team, the other team gets thosepoints. There was a time when Pakistan was considered as a dangerouscountry. This was why players of international teams were hesitant incoming here,” he said. “Recently the New Zealand attack took place.Pakistan has come out of a very hard time. They have faced this hardshipbravely. Whatever happened in New Zealand used to happen in Pakistan. Theyare an example of how to deal with times like these.”
Richardson was also of the opinion that the situation was changing and thiswould open the door for future international tours.
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“Even in hard times Pakistani players played cricket and performedexceptionally well. The situation in the country is now changing. Step bystep Pakistan is progressing. Slowly and gradually international tours willbe revived in the country,” he said. “A lot of effort has been made tobring back cricket in Pakistan. ICC stands with the PCB in all thesematters.”
Richardson was also grateful to the PCB who invited him to the final andclosing ceremony. He said that the PSL has proved that Pakistan is a safecountry.
“We will continue working with the PCB. I would also like to thank theforeign players who came to Karachi. There is a perception that Pakistan isunsafe. PSL matches have proved this perception wrong,” he said. “In termsof security the ICC is performing its duties.”
Richardson said that the PCB should invite international teams and saidthat the ICC would help in this regard.
