The following message by Chairman PCB is released today at the occasion of Afghanistan Cricket Teams Tour to Pakistan. Afghanistan Cricket Team is playing 3 One days with Pakistan A on 25, 27 and 29 May in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad respectively.
On behalf of PCB and People of Pakistan, I welcome Afghanistan Cricket Team. The progress they have shown in recent years is commendable. They have turned out to be a fine team and we expect some good cricket in their matches against Pakistan A.
The visit of Afghanistan Cricket Team is also a good sign for the game of Cricket in Pakistan. Unfortunately, our cricket frenzy nation is being deprived of international cricket at home. Capacity-filled stadiums in domestic tournaments reflect how dear this game is for them. PCB, in this difficult time, has tried to keep the momentum rolling by concentrating more on domestic cricket and creating opportunities for the National Team to play their home series at alternative venues.
For the Afghanistan team tour PCB has tried to ensure highest-level security and I thank Government of Pakistan for providing that.
We want to send a message to the world that Pakistan is a safe place to play Cricket and the people of Pakistan would welcome any team coming here. I take this opportunity to thank the Afghanistan Government and Afghanistan Cricket Board for sending their team. I hope this tour will pave the way for more such visits by foreign teams to Pakistan.
