‘I have had great experiences’ – Cricket Governing Body CEO hopes for more Test series in Pakistan

The International Cricket Board CEO Geoff Allardice opined that Test-playing nations like Australia, England, and New Zealand touring Pakistan for the Test series in 2022 is a huge step toward getting cricket back to the Asian country on a regular basis.

For the first time in 24 years, Australia visited Pakistan in March and played three tests, as many ODIs, and one T20I. Before the 20-20 World Cup, England played seven T20 internationals before returning to play three tests earlier in November and December. Beginning on December 26, New Zealand will go to Pakistan for a two-match test series.

Notably, since gunmen assaulted the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, Pakistan has been unable to invite prominent Test-playing nations. In the past, Pakistan has hosted bilateral series against teams like the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. In addition, a World XI team captained by Eoin Morgan paid Pakistan a visit in 2017 for a three-match T20I series.

Pakistan is one of the strongest cricketing countries: Geoff Allardice

When New Zealand and England cancelled their tours last year, citing security concerns, questions were raised. Both teams, however, agreed to schedule their tours for 2022. New Zealand, the present World Test Champions, will face Pakistan in a two-match series starting on December 26 in Karachi.

“The fans in Pakistan are passionate about the game and passionate about their team, but most importantly they are welcoming of visitors,” Allardice told Pakistan Cricket. “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 is always very warm.”

Allardice felt upbeat. At a time when major Test-playing nations like Australia and England are experiencing a significant decline in stadium attendance, test cricket will continue to flourish in Pakistan. “Pakistan is one of the strongest cricketing countries in the ICC membership,” Allardice said.

“To have series like this (versus England) taking place and fans travelling to Pakistan and New Zealand starting in a few day’s time for their Test series as well is a huge step forward to getting cricket back in Pakistan on a regular basis.”