KARACHI – Former Sri Lanka skipper and living legend Sanath Jayasuriya said Thursday that Pakistan was safe to host foreign cricket teams, as he arrived to lead an international all-star XI in two Twenty20 matches.
Sanath Jayasuriya will lead an International World XI against All Stars XI here in a two match T20 series at the National stadium on October 20 and 21 looked composed and relaxed and told the media at the airport on arrival on Thursday that the series would herald the beginning of restoration of international cricket in Pakistan.
Snatah Jayasuriya who first time came to Pakistan as under 21 players and hit a dashing century at the National stadium about two decades ago said he was returning to Pakistan after a long time and hoped the visit of an international world eleven will augur well for Pakistan cricket.
He said attack on his national team in Lahore which suspended international cricket in this country was an extremely unfortunate incident. He said time had come that international cricket was restored in Pakistan and hoped the series would be good beginning for Pakistan cricket.
He said time had come that international cricket was restored in this country. Hosting of the two matches successfully, he said would give positive signal to the cricketers all around the world. He said he had always enjoyed playing in Pakistan in front of local fans who were as crazy about the sports as any other country of the region. The Pakistani fans needed good international and hoped that the matches would be good entertainment to local fans.
The manager of the International World XI Alvin Kallincharan of the West Indies on arrival here said he last came to Pakistan in 1972 and was returning to this country after a lapse of forty years.
He said he was confident that the series here would give positive signals to cricket players all over the world. International cricket should be restored in Pakistan, he added. Sindh Sports Minister Dr MA Shah who is the chief organizer of series received them at the airport and profusely garlanded them.
Dr Shah was hopeful that gathering of international stars of the present and the yore would prove a turning point for Pakistan cricket and would be helpful in restoring international cricket.
Players from South Africa, the West Indies and Sri Lanka arrived here early this morning by difference flights and destination. They were warmly received at the airport and driven to the hotel. Pakistan Stars XI is due to arrive here on Friday. Both the teams are expected to hold nets at Karachi Gymkhana.