ISLAMABAD: Former Test fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz said on Friday that Zimbabwe cricket team’s tour to Pakistan has come as a big ray of hope for cricket lovers in the region and it will be a huge step towards the revival of international cricket at home.

Talking to APP, Sarfraz said Zimbabwe’s tour to Pakistan will prove a huge success as the entire nation is waiting for the African team to arrive.

“All our players and the whole nation are desperately waiting to see international cricket returning to their homeland,” he said.

Sarfraz said the PCB should make the most of this tour as it is the first Test playing nation which is touring Pakistan since 2009.

Speaking about the revival of Indo-Pak bilateral series this year, Sarfraz said both the governments should maje special efforts to make it a reality.

According to reports, Pakistan will play India in a full series comprising three Tests, five ODIs and two T20 internationals in the UAE in December.

“I appeal to the Indian government to cooperate and come forward in making the great Pakistan-India contest happen this year,” he said.

Talking about the performance of the national team against Bangladesh, the fiery ex-pacer said the greenshirts clearly lacked the determination and will power to win, especially in the ODIs.

“It is hard to understand why any game plan was missing. Was it the players or the coaches who failed to come up with a sound strategy against Bangladesh?” he questioned.

Sarfraz advised the PCB to hire new coaches for the team rather than making changes in the team. “I feel new coaches can help in improving the team’s performance,” he said.

“There is also a need to groom youngsters as back-up for the World Twenty20 next year and we should start preparations for it now,” he concluded.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2015

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