Australia, NZ to be convinced to play at least one match in Pakistan: Sethi

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi is hoping to host either Australia or New Zealand for at least one match during their tour to the UAE later this year.

“We are scheduled to host Australia and New Zealand for our home series in UAE. I will try my best to convince both of them to play at least one match in Pakistan during the series,” Sethi said in a video message released by the PCB.

Sethi seems satisfied with the progress PCB made during 2017 in term of reviving international cricket in Pakistan and also with the improved team’s performance during the year.

“Last year was very good for cricket. PCB and our team have achieved a lot in 2017. It was the collective dedication and team spirit that we did well. We are on a winning streak and it will continue,” he added.

“We hosted the PSL final, then World XI team came and then Sri Lanka arrived and played in Pakistan. West Indies will come and play in Pakistan in March,” he said.

Sethi also revealed that Lahore will host two PSL games, whereas the final of the tournament will be played at National Stadium Karachi.

“We will have two PSL matches in Lahore and a final in Karachi. West Indies will also come to play three matches after PSL,” he told.

Sethi also hoped that Pakistan will grab the top position in the ODI ranking as well, as they have achieved in T20s.

“We are now on track. We have achieved top position in T20Is and we will achieve same in ODIs too very soon,” he hoped.