Waqar Younis reckons Windies could open doors for more cricket in Pakistan

Pakistan’s legendary pace bowler Waqar Younis has expressed his delight over the gradual return of international cricket, particularly in Karachi after nine years.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is putting in their best efforts in ensuring top-class security for the visiting teams. They had managed to host the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore and then brought the event to Karachi this year.

In 2017, the PCB with the help of ICC was able to host World XI in a three-match Twenty20 International series.However, the efforts did not slow down. The result meant they managed to host West Indies in a three-match T20I series at Karachi.Speaking exclusively to Cricbuzz, Waqar Younis has expressed his happiness over the return of cricket back to Karachi after nine years.

“The process of bringing international cricket in Pakistan had to be initiated and a message of peace needed to go out of the country. This series has sent a huge message worldwide,” he said.

Waqar hopes more countries might visit Pakistan –

Many onlookers had observed that Windies squad primarily contained only second-string players.

“The West Indian side was a bit weak. Everyone knew it. They had new faces in the side. Pakistan were a stronger team. Although, the matches weren’t that close or competitive but the crowd turned out and sent a message that Karachi is a very peaceful place. This will open a lot of doors,” he said.

But, Waqar believes the situation could change in the next couple of years.

Interestingly, the former Pakistan coach Waqar Younis also feels India might be touring the politically troubled country.

“Maybe in the next couple of years, it will be a different story hopefully. We may host a full series. Maybe India might come in the next couple of years’ time. To open the doors, this was perfect. We have had two to three series. We have had an ICC World XI tour Pakistan. Now West Indies have come. It [the normalisation] won’t take much time,” Waqar asserted.

The likes of Carlos Brathwaite and Jason Holder pulled out of the tour in the last moment.

“The reasons behind the other West Indian players not coming to Pakistan had other factors as well. Some were going for the IPL and the Cricket West Indies also have problems with its cricketers,” Waqar added.

The cricket in Pakistan had taken a severe hit when Sri Lankan cricketers were attacked by terrorists in 2009 at Liberty Chowk in Lahore. No major international team was interested in playing cricket in the country for the past nine years.

PCB was ultimately forced to host their home games in UAE, but could only see poor turnouts for the games. But with the situation getting much under control in the recent years, it might not be long before we see some major nation playing a full tour in Pakistan.

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