Wasim Akram endorses Bangladesh's decision to agree to a tour of Pakistan
Last Updated: December 18, 2012 5:00pm
Wasim Akram: Has backed Bangladesh's decision to tour Pakistan
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Wasim Akram has endorsed Bangladesh's decision to tour Pakistan in January, insisting it will prove a pivotal step in re-establishing international cricket in the country.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Monday that it had agreed in principle to a short one-day tour of Pakistan next month.
International cricket has been suspended in the country since militant attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.
However, BCB officials have revealed that Pakistan had proposed a one-day international and a Twenty20 game to be played in Lahore on January 12 and 13.
Welcome decision
"It's a welcome decision and I hope that the tour takes place as agreed because Pakistan badly needs international cricket and one series will convince other countries to tour," Pakistan's all-time leading Test wicket-taker Wasim told reporters.
Earlier this year, Bangladesh had accepted an invitation to tour Pakistan in April for a short limited-over series, but saw the proposal blocked by the Dhaka High Court security grounds.
"Pakistan badly needs international cricket and I fear that if this suspension continues for another two (or) three years then it will affect the standard of Pakistan cricket," continued Wasim.
"I think the overall security situation in Pakistan is improving and if we put in place the best arrangements for the Bangladesh series then other teams will also follow suit."
