Cricket: Afghanistan, Kenya postpone Pakistan visit after Lahore blast

It is learnt that the two teams backed out from their commitment following suicide blast in Lahore that killed over 72 people.

The two teams were scheduled to visit Pakistan to play matches against club teams.

Sources informed that matches between Pakistan club team and Afghanistan would now be played in the United Arab Emirates, however no formal decision has been taken in this regard.

Meanwhile, President of English and Wales Cricket Board Giles Clarke has also postponed his Pakistan visit.

Since the 2009 attack on the visiting Sri Lankan team in Lahore, test teams have refused to tour Pakistan, leaving the national side to play most of their ‘home’ matches in the United Arab Emirates.

Zimbabwe agreed into touring the country for a limited overs series, though Zimbabwe Cricket back-flipped on the decision before finally agreeing to send a team amid reports players had security fears.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) chairman Wilson Manase was happy with the large crowds at Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium which is the sole venue for all five matches, including the three-match one-day series.

“They are watching that the grounds are so full, they are watching the security given by the government and have understood Pakistan have the capacity to take any measures for the visiting team,” he said.

“I can tell you that players were never reluctant. They were always ready to go, we never had any dissent within,” Manase said.

“All players who were selected did come. We are safe, the players are safe and there is no problem.”