Almost all of the Test-playing nations avoided touring Pakistan after an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus during 2009. But after a decade, things are again getting back to normalcy. The Sri Lankan team toured Pakistan last December and played two Tests with the green shirts. Currently, the Bangla tigers are in Pakistan.
Things are looking bright for the cricket-crazy nation of Pakistan, as Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced that they will tour Pakistan for three T20Is matches. The MCC side will take on two Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams in Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans, and also with Pakistan’s domestic champions Northern.
They have also named a 12-man squad for the upcoming tour, and it features quite a few renowned stars. But the major surprise is that former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara will lead the side. Veteran English all-rounder Ravi Bopara has also been picked for the tour. Roelof van der Merwe, who has played international cricket for both South Africa and the Netherlands, will also board the flight to Pakistan.
MCC hopes regular international cricket will return to Pakistan
The main objective of the tour is to get regular international cricket back in Pakistan. Speaking on the tour, MCC’s assistant secretary John Stephenson said: “As a Club, we share the PCB’s wish in wanting to see international teams returning to play in Pakistan on a regular basis and we hope that this tour contributes to those objectives.”
“We are thrilled to be able to name a strong squad for this tour, which blends youth and experience for a strong side of high quality. We have really appreciated the collaborative approach from the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan Super League, which has enabled us to arrange fixtures against sides preparing for this year’s PSL tournament as well as to secure the services of some of those participating,” he further added, as per quotes in Hindustan Times.
