Tuesday 21 April 2015 09:03, UK
Top-level international cricket looks set to return to Pakistan next month after a gap of six years, with the news that Zimbabwe are expected to undertake a short tour of the country.
Since March 2009, Pakistan has had to play its home matches in the United Arab Emirates following an attack by militants on a Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore.
Pakistan Cricket Board president Shaharyar Khan says he has been in contact with his counterpart in Zimbabwe, Wilson Manase, regarding the trip that will feature a number of one-day internationals.
The ICC has agreed for the matches to carry international status and will allow special dispensation for Pakistan to use local umpires for the games.
Khan said: "He (Manase) told me they are coming and they are coming with their full team but for a week.
"They will send a security team to assess the situation, following which they will confirm the tour. So they will come in the middle of May and our efforts will be to host matches in Lahore and Karachi."
On March 3, 2009, a coach carrying Sri Lanka’s team was ambushed while travelling from their hotel to the Gaddafi Stadium for the third day of the second Test.
Twelve gunmen were involved in the attack which left six Pakistani policemen dead, as well as two civilians.
Six Sri Lankan cricketers suffered minor injuries, including Kumar Sangakkara, Chaminda Vaas and Mahela Jayawardene.
