Pakistan invite West Indies for a two-T20I series in March

Confirming a lasting speculation the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has invited the West Indies international team for two-Twenty20 International series to their country in March 2017. Najam Sethi the PCB Executive Committee Chairman said that they have sent a proposal to the World T20 champion side to come to Pakistan for the series.

The DawnNews quoted Sethi on Saturday saying that they sent the proposal as their response to another invitation from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for a two T20Is in Florida, the United States where they played India in 2016.

The PSL chairman also said that the board is trying it’s best to ensure international cricket returns to the country and it will be a huge boost if they manage to convince the WICB. “We gave a proposal to WICB that after West Indies’ tour to England, which will end on March 9, they can come to Pakistan between March 11 to 15,” he said.

They have had to assure the West Indian board about the security which has been a concern in the country ever since the Sri Lankan team was attacked by a group of militants back in 2009. Since they are playing the final of the upcoming PSL in Lahore, Sethi wants to project that as an example of there being a secure atmosphere for cricket in the country. “We told them that the security situation had improved and Pakistan Super League final will also be played in Lahore. In this scenario, there is no reason to refuse a tour to Pakistan.” He said.

“If PSL final is held in Lahore, followed by World T20 Champions visit to play T20s in Lahore then this development will open the door of international cricket in Pakistan.”

Sethi also said that former ECB president and the chairman of Pakistan Task Team of the ICC Giles Clarke will visit them in January to review the safety arrangements in Lahore.

“Clarke and his wife will come to Pakistan in January, he will be the guest of PCB and we will arrange his meeting with home secretary and will brief them about security in Lahore and Pakistan,” he added.

He also said that the ICC might consider PCB’s request to allot them some funds to make up for the losses they have suffered due to no home games.