Morgan hails moves to bring cricket back to Pakistan

SHARJAH: England’s limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan Wednesday reckoned Pakistan was moving in the right direction in terms of reviving cricket in the country, hoping more betterment in the next couple of years.

Morgan joined Karachi Kings and will lead the team in the absence of regular skipper Imad Wasim who injured himself in the match against Lahore on Sunday and remained under observation for concussion.

“I certainly think that steps in that direction have been taken. The last year’s PSL final, I believe, was a success and all the players who traveled thoroughly enjoyed their time,” said Morgan.

Pakistan had been a “no go” area for international teams since March 2009 attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus which suspended all international cricket in the country.

But last year’s PSL final in Lahore paved way for three Twenty20 internationals against a World XI and a single Twenty20 international with Sri Lanka.

This year’s PSL will have two play-offs in Lahore and the final in Karachi on March 25, followed by three Twenty20 internationals against the West Indies in April.

Morgan praised more efforts taken by Pakistan Cricket Board of staging two play-offs in Lahore and final in Karachi means more progress.

“I am sure the people of Pakistan really enjoyed that cricket back in their country. More steps are taken this year, we saw international games played there. This year more PSL games will be played there so over the course of couple of years more progress will be made. West Indies is touring there in April for three Twenty20 so naturally there is a progression moving forward,” remarked Morgan.

Morgan said he was unavailable for the Pakistan leg of matches.

“I am not available for the Pakistan leg. Its been a long winter for me I have been away since December so unfortunately I am unavailable,” said Morgan who led England to 3-2 one-day series win over New Zealand earlier this month.

When asked about Karachi Kings captain Imad Wasim’s injury, Morgan termed the incident infortunate but said Imad is on the path to recovery.

“I was in the flight when the incident happened. Imad injured himself, its unfortunate that he is unable to play in a few matches but he has recovered well,” said Morgan of Imad.

Morgan, who will lead the team in Imad’s absence said he will try his best to help Karachi Kings, which needs to win one of their two matches to qualify for the play-offs.

“I have been watching the PSL in New Zealand. I know the place quite nicely. We have a good mix of players with Babar Azam and others, its always interesting and challenging. We will sit down tonight and settle the right combination. Its an exciting challenge, with a lot of teams playing for last four. Islamabad leads the table and they have been playing good cricket, ” concluded Morgan.