KARACHI (AFP) - Pakistan and Sri Lanka playing in the World Twenty20 final on Sunday will send a strong message to the world that cricket cannot be brought down by terrorism, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja said. A militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore on March 3 ended Pakistan's chances of hosting any international matches in the near future following earlier concerns about security. "It definitely is a message to the world that unfortunate circumstances can't pull them down, cricket will survive and has survived terrorism," Raja told AFP. "It is great news for the people of both the countries who have been hit by terrorism and that passion will not dwindle in adversity," said Raja. "I would also want both the captains Younus (Khan) and (Kumar) Sangakkara to make strong comments before and after the match."There should also be a message to the cricket world that don't take Pakistan for granted and help live cricket in this country. Our cricket has suffered because of unfortunate circumstances." Pakistan cricket has been hit hard by events since the 9-11 attacks on the United States in 2001 and ensuing war in neighbouring Afghanistan. Australia have twice refused to tour Pakistan since then and instead played Pakistan on neutral venues in 2002 and 2009. South Africa toured Pakistan twice (2003 and 2007) but refused to play in Karachi due to bomb blasts in the port city ahead of the tours. The West Indies also forced Pakistan to play at neutral venues in 2002 and 2008, while New Zealand - who cut short a tour of the country in May 2002 after a blast in Karachi - have ruled out playing here in November this year. Sri Lanka only agreed to come to Pakistan after India pulled out of a tour planned for January this year following the Mumbai attacks, blamed by New Delhi on militants based in Pakistan. The March attack on the Sri Lankan team forced the International Cricket Council to move the World Cup 2011 matches away from Pakistan - the second major event relocated from the troubled country after the Champions Trophy 2009 was moved to South Africa. Former captain Moin Khan said however Pakistan should not be isolated by the international cricket community. "Sri Lankan players survived near-fatal attacks," said Moin. "Even if Pakistan loses on Sunday we should accept it without any grief, because we owe this to Sri Lanka. "Cricket world must realise our problems. Despite being hit by terrorism we are a top cricketing country and should not be left alone," he added.