Misbah Urges Cricket World To Grant Greater Help For Revival Of Sport In Pakistan

Misbah-ul-Haq’s appeal comes two days ahead of Pakistan's home series against sub continent rivals Sri Lanka, which include three one-day internationals, and as many Twenty20 internationals.

In wake of the rather tarnished image of his nation in the international cricket landscape, Pakistan’s newly appointed head coach on Wednesday urged the cricket world to help his country’s efforts to revive international matches, which have taken a back stage due to persistent security problems in the last decade. Misbah-ul-Haq’s appeal comes two days ahead of Pakistan's home series against sub continent rivals Sri Lanka, which include three one-day internationals, and as many Twenty20 internationals. The Sri Lanka team was attacked in Lahore in 2009 and since then most international teams have refused to tour the South Asian country, leaving Pakistan to play nearly all their “home” games in the United Arab Emirates. Zimbabwe was the first country to return in 2015, with Pakistan hosting the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and a World XI team since then. The current series was hit by withdrawals of ten top Sri Lankan players over security fears but Sri Lanka’s cricket board received the all-clear from the defence ministry last week. “Cricket world need to do more, not only for Pakistan but for any country where it is hit,” said Misbah, under who Pakistan plays the first one-day international on Friday. The remaining two matches will also be held in Karachi on Sunday and Wednesday. The three Twenty20 internationals will be in Lahore on October 5, 7 and 9.