First step taken towards revival of cricket in Karachi: Sethi

KARACHI: Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi has stated that the restoration of international cricket to Pakistan will be completed with one step after another.

Speaking exclusively to Geo.tv, the PCB chief said the board has already taken first step towards restoration of international cricket in Karachi.

“The process of restoration of international cricket to Pakistan is a matter of one step after another,” he said.

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“We have now taken first steps for Karachi by stadium renovation and making a security plan, and getting it approved by an international security expert.”

A foreign security expert, Reg Dickason, who provides security consultancy to FICA and other cricket boards met with different officials in Karachi on Monday to discuss security arrangements for matches in the megapolis.

The PCB had earlier said that it was aiming to hold two to four PSL matches in Karachi next season and for that arrangements were being made.

Dickason met with IG police and CM Sindh. He also visited Karachi’s National Stadium to inspect the facilities at the venue.

Sethi said that following the first step, the PCB will now take the second step towards brining international cricket back to Karachi.

“Now we will start the process of persuading foreign players,” he said.

ICC security expert meets IGP, CM Sindh in Karachi

Reg Dickason also visited Karachi’s National Stadium for Pakistan Super League arrangements

Pakistan earlier this year hosted the final of Pakistan Super League in Lahore. West Indian players Darren Sammy and Marlon Samuels along with South Africa’s Dawid Malan and England’s Chris Jordan came to Pakistan to play the final which Peshawar Zalmi won.

The PSL final opened the door for further cricket in Pakistan and a star-studded World XI team toured the country to play three T20Is under captaincy of Faf du Plessis. Sri Lanka is also scheduled to play a T20I in Lahore later this month.

Experts believe that success in holding PSL matches in Karachi will help PCB bring more cricket to Pakistan.