The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to send it’s second string team to Afghanistan but faces a tricky situation as it awaits security clearance from government officials.‘The News’ has learnt that the idea of inviting Pakistan national team was earlier floated by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) CEO Nasimullah Danish in a meeting with the PCB chief Ijaz Butt.
Though, Butt did not guarantee sending the main team but yet he assured that PCB would send it’s A team to Afghanistan to play the first-ever match to be held at Jalalabad cricket stadium, which would be ready for inauguration in a few months.
“The board has decided to send it’s A team to show a good gesture that both the cricket boards are looking to help each other,” a source said. “But the whole idea depends on government approval.”
Earlier, Afghanistan coach Rashid Latif said that he was planning to invite Pakistan national team to Afghanistan for an international series.
Meanwhile, Nasimullah Danish confirmed that during the meeting with Butt the Afghan officials requested him to send Pakistan team to Afghanistan for an inauguration in Jalalabad.
“PCB has agreed to send the A team but things have not been finalised yet. The match in Jalalabad would be an exhibition match,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said that their main aim is to play against Pakistan’s national team.
“We want to play against Pakistan’s national team. If other countries are not willing to come here then we are present to help our brothers,” he added.
Nasimullah also said that Afghanistan are much better than their current performances suggests and hope to get matches against the top sides of the world.
He further said that they hope to get much needed support from Pakistan to help Afghanistan climb the ladder in international cricket.
“Pakistan is a major force in world cricket and playing against them gives our boys a chance to learn. We have extended support to Pakistan in the time of crisis and hope they would also do the same to help us grow,” he stressed.
