International cricket finally returning to Pakistan, says Najam Sethi

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi on Monday said that arrival of international cricket players in the country to play against Pakistan a three-match Twenty20 (T20) series is outcome of extraordinary efforts that were made to revive international cricket.

Addressing a press conference here along with International Cricket Council (ICC) Director Giles Clarke, Sethi expressed satisfaction on arrival of World XI players.

“The PSL [Pakistan Super League] final has played a crucial role in gaining confidence of international players to play cricket in Pakistan,” he remarked.

Sethi said the PCB had also invited chairmen of various cricket boards but due to lack of time and other commitments, they could not make their participation in the event possible.

Lauding efforts of Army Chief and Punjab government, the PCB chairman said that PSL final in Lahore was not possible without their efforts.

“It was the PSL final which eventually helped persuading foreign players for the Independence Cup in Pakistan,” Sethi further said.

Joining in conversation, ICC Director Giles Clarke stressed on investment and security for reviving of international cricket in the country.