KARACHI, July 27: Youth Asia Cup delegates declared on Sunday that Pakistan is safe for cricket amid hopes that the game’s heavy hitters could return to the country without fears of security problems.

“We faced no security and safety problems and with the kind of security arrangements made by the Pakistan Cricket Board it was safe cricket in Pakistan,” Nepal team manager Shrisharsh Koirala said.

The 10-nation Youth Asia Cup saw hassle-free play by competitors from affiliate members of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in the city that in the past was plagued by terrorism and communal riots.

“We had a perfect tour and hope international teams will also not face any problems,” Koirala said.

Cricket in Pakistan suffered badly following the Sept 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

“It was unfortunate that Pakistan was deprived of big time cricket by untoward events but with the excellent Youth Asia Cup there remains no doubt that the country can host any team,” said Mohammad Iqbal Vanoo, manager of Kuwait’s team.

“I am basically from India and faced no problems, Karachi is just like Mumbai and we were troubled by rains only and nothing else,” he said.—AFP