Lahore is getting ready to host international teams after a five -year gap. Pakistan had suffered a huge setback in international cricket when Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked in Lahore.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has succeeded in inviting the national team of Kenya to tour Pakistan for seven days in December to play three One-day matches against its A team. After the Lankan team attack, no country was ready to send their juniors or A teams to Pakistan. Lahore will hold two One-day matches of the three matches, while Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, will organise the third one.

The itinerary is being finalised between the two cricket boards. The PCB hopes the tour will revive international cricket and encourage other nations to send their team to Pakistan. Undoubtedly, Pakistan sports, especially cricket and hockey, have suffered a lot due to absence of international activities. The PCB must also take steps to improve stadiums before hosting foreign teams. The Qadhafi Stadium needs renovation to look like an international venue. Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad and Rawalpindi Stadium are in need of modern press galleries.

The Punjab government has already made a comprehensive security plan for the visiting team.

It seems a pathetic performance from the teams of Lahore Region Cricket Association (LRCA) in country’s premier domestic event of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy has forced the authorities to take decisions to improve its cricket set-up. The Lions and the Eagles of Lahore stood second best from the bottom in the Gold and Silver Leagues of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy. Multan region is at the bottom in Gold while Quetta is struggling at the last in the Silver League. Lahore is considered the second largest hub of cricket after Karachi. But its performance in the leading event is dismal.

The LRCA has imposed eight restrictions on its three affiliated zones in selecting their teams, giving more chances to youngsters.

LRCA President Khwaja Nadeem said the maximum age for the debutant of Senior Inter-district Tournament will be 27 years. Similarly, two Under-19 players should be included in XI team of each club-zonal or regional tournament. At least five players under 27 years of age should be included in playing XI. All zones should hold two annual cricket tournaments. Top teams of zonal tournaments will qualify for inter-zonal club competition. Four teams of each zone will be selected purely on merit basis, keeping in view the performance in regional club cricket tournament for further trials.

Different age group fitness camps for regional players will be conducted throughout the year to improve the fitness standard of players. They will be provided all necessary facilities during the camps. NCA elite panel coaches and support staff of region will conduct the camp.

Nadeem also advised clubs’ administration not to register any player, who lives out of Lahore.

The LRCA should also form a well-reputed selection committee consisting of renowned Test cricketers.

On Sunday, Pakistan and Afghanistan cyclists will be in action, competing for a Lahore-to-Sahiwal race. An 11-member Afghan team has arrived in Lahore. Though the organisers also invited Iran to feature in the event, but they chose not to attend it. The sport of cycling also needs patronage of the government and many such events should be held to encourage the cyclists.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2014