DUBLIN: Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom has revealed that contact was made with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in January about reviving hopes of the tour.

Pakistan has not hosted a full international fixture since the Lahore terrorist attack in March 2009 when the Sri Lanka team bus was ambushed by gun men outside the Gaddafi Stadium.

Ireland have previously stated their willingness to tour Pakistan, but discussions were put on hold last June following a terrorist attack on Karachi airport.

And while Deutrom admitted such incidents would still be reviewed before any possible tour, he has confirmed his desire to continue talks after the World Cup.

“We will keep this matter under review and consider a tour when conditions are right,” Deutrom said in a statement given to Press Association Sport, according to Irish Independent newspaper website.

“I had a preliminary discussion with the PCB in January and then we had a follow-up email, but the World Cup has taken over matters at the moment. I am sure discussions will recommence when we hear from the PCB.”

Deutrom’s announcement comes after captain William Porterfield has been outspoken the subject of Ireland’s need to play more matches against full-member nations.

Ireland have built a reputation for causing shocks at the World Cup only to then, in the intervening four years, slip back into the relative wilderness of associate cricket.

Pakistan have been one of the few nations willing to play Ireland — they have twice toured in the past four years — to help fill their own need for matches.

Hopes have been raised that full international cricket might return to Pakistan soon after both Afghanistan and Kenya sent their associate teams, in 2013 and 2014 respectively, without incident.

Published in Dawn March 5th , 2015

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