LAHORE: The Caribbean storm has been waiting for unfounded security concerns, while talks between the two boards on the West Indies team’s tour of Pakistan began in December.
The New Zealand team set foot in Pakistan after carefully reviewing the reports of their security experts and being fully satisfied. After 18 years, the PCB, cricketers and fans are very enthusiastic and ready to perform their duties for the home series from the Kiwis. Were
The visiting cricketers also held practice sessions at the Pindi Stadium, then just hours before the start of the first ODI, justifying unfounded security concerns, New Zealand unilaterally decided to recall their team, following in the footsteps of the Kiwis. Also apologized for visiting Pakistan next month.
The West Indies are the focus of Pakistan’s hopes for continuing the journey of revival of international cricket.
The visit is also significant because after New Zealand, the West Indies have also received emails based on fake threats, dispelling this impression has become a common challenge for both Pakistan’s security forces and the PCB. Talks have started between the two boards in this regard.
Yesterday, PCB chief executive Wasim Khan and Cricket West Indies counterpart Johnny Grave discussed the bilateral series over the phone. The operational teams will also discuss this weekend.
The West Indies Cricket Board will seek the opinion of the Independent Security Consultants as per its procedure. The Players’ Association has also been contacted. Decide, the same procedure was followed before the 2018 visit.
“We are ready for the tour as per our promise and plan. Many of our male and female cricketers have already visited Pakistan but the series is in December. There is no rush to make a decision yet,” said Chief Executive Johnny Grave. Steps will be taken after the completion of the normal process to review, we will give a full briefing to the players on the information obtained from the experts and the PCB, during which we will be in touch with the PCB officials.
The Caribbean tour will be accompanied by a neutral security manager. Remember that the West Indian team has to come to Pakistan to play 3 ODIs and the same number of T20 matches, there is also a plan to send the women’s team.
It may be recalled that the Caribbeans had played 3 T20 matches in Pakistan in 2018 under the leadership of Jason Muhammad.
On the other hand, the attitude of the Kangaroos towards the refusal of New Zealand and England seems to be changing. PCB chairman Rameez Raja had said in a virtual press conference that Australia was also considering withdrawing from the tour.
According to media reports, Cricket Australia spokesman Cole Hitchcock said: “We are reviewing the situation. We will keep an eye on the security situation in the coming months. We will discuss the matter with the relevant authorities.”
The Kangaroos are scheduled to visit Pakistan in February and March next year for a full series of Tests, ODIs and T20s. The home series had to be hosted at Neutral Venues.