ICC chief backs Pakistan to host 'regular' international cricket
Pakistan will host NZ in a multi-format tour [Source: Twitter]
ICC CEO, Geoff Allardice has backed Pakistan to host international cricket on a regular basis, hailing the 2022 home season as a 'huge step forward.'
Following the 2009 bus attack on Sri Lankan team ahead of the third day of second Test at Lahore, international cricket was removed from Pakistan and UAE became their 'home' away from home.
It wasn't until 2015 that international cricket returned in Pakistan, but only in the past two years have the teams like Australia and England toured the Asian country.
Australia's tour in March-April was their first tour of Pakistan since 1998 while England marked their first visit to the country in 17 years, with a seven-match T20I series in September and the recently concluded Test series in December.
New Zealand are all set to tour Pakistan for a multi-format series while Pakistan have been given the hosting rights of the 2023 Asia Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.
CEO speaks
"The fans in Pakistan are passionate about the game and passionate about their team, and most importantly they are welcoming of visitors. I have always had great experiences when I have travelled to Pakistan and I have been to see a few series over the last few years and the welcome has been really warm," Allardice said to Pakistan Cricket.
He added: "To have series like this taking place and fans travelling to Pakistan, and New Zealand starting in a few days time for their Test series as well, is a huge step forward to get cricket back in Pakistan on a regular basis."
New Zealand tour of Pakistan starts from December 26.
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