LAHORE: While ICC director Giles Clarke on Monday regarded the Independence Cup between World XI and Pakistan the first step towards resuming international cricket in the country, PCB chairman Najam Sethi hoped the highly-anticipated series would pave the way for more visits in future.

“We are looking to take small steps for a long journey [in resuming international cricket in Pakistan]. It is the first step in the right direction. We met in January held short conference to discuss how to make it possible,” Clarke said while addressing a joint news conference here alongside Sethi, hours after the World XI squad landed at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in the small hours of Monday.

“It has been a long road and I am very happy to see international cricket is returning back here,” Clarke, who is also head of the ICC Task Force on Pakistan cricket, added.

Clarke also hailed the efforts of the PCB, government and the people of Pakistan in showing enthusiasm for resuming international cricket.

Sethi terms the series big leap towards restoring international cricket

“The successful holding of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore earlier this year was crucial in making the World XI tour possible,” he said.

“Security teams of different countries who were in Lahore, reviewed the security arrangements during the PSL final, and it made possible the visit of World XI.”

He also lauded World XI coach Andy Flower for picking a well-balanced side -- led by Faf du Plessis -- for the visit.

While calling the World XI series a beginning for Pakistan cricket, Clarke said he could not tell when other teams of the cricketing world like Australia, England and India would come to the country.

Meanwhile speaking on the occasion, Sethi said it was a great occasion for Pakistan.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase Pakistan, and a momentous occasion. World XI’s tour is a big leap for us to restore international cricket in the country,” Sethi said.

Thanking the World XI players for agreeing to the visit, the PCB chief said the Board now expects “more doors to open”.

Sri Lanka are set to make a hugely symbolic return to Lahore as part of a full series against Pakistan in October. Pakistan also hope West Indies will play three T20s in the provincial capital in November.

“I congratulate all those who made efforts for this [World XI series] and top of the list is Giles Clarke,” Sethi said. “Giles’ endeavours made World XI’s visit to Pakistan possible. People of Pakistan welcome all the foreign guests.”

Praising Flower for his efforts in choosing a highly talented World XI team, Sethi said it was not just cricket but a history-making moment for Pakistan.

“I am thankful to all the cricket boards for issuing NOCs to their players to come to Pakistan.”

The PCB chief also commended ICC chairman Shash­ank Manohar for showing keen interest to send the World XI to Pakistan.

“Clarke convinced Manohar to hire the security company for Pakistan. So, everyone contributed to make this series possible,” he said.

Sethi revealed that president of Cricket West Indies Wycliffe Cameron was about to reach Lahore late Monday night to watch the Independence Cup matches, while “ICC chief executive Dave Richardson was also coming on Tuesday”.

“Invitation for the World XI series were also sent to the heads of other cricket boards but due to shortage of time they could not manage to come to Lahore,” disclosed the PCB chief. “However, they sent us well wishes for the successful series.”

Sethi thanked the Punjab government, prime minister, Army and other security agencies for their strenuous efforts aimed at making the World XI visit successful.

Reuters adds: Over 6,000 police officials and paramilitary officers have been deployed around the Gaddafi Stadium, according to provincial government spokesman Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan.

“A foolproof security plan has been devised for the protection of the teams and spectators,” he said.

The streets of Lahore were swathed in posters of the visiting players and advertisements for the matches. Long queues formed at vendors across the city and many fans were turned away as tickets sold out.

PCB spokesman Amjad Bhatti said an estimated 90 per cent of the World XI-Pakistan series tickets had been sold.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2017