ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP):West Indian great Sir Vivian Richards Friday believed the struggle Pakistan cricket had to do after the suspension of international cricket at home in 2009 would meet its target after more and more matches to be played in the country.
Quetta Gladiators mentor Sir Vivian Richards said it was quite encouraging to see the West Indies women’s team touring Pakistan for a three Twenty20 series against Pakistan women, a press release said.
“Before that, the West Indies men’s team came in March last year. Some of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches were played in Pakistan last year. I think it would be for Pakistan cricket,” he said.
Since March 2009, Pakistan have hosted Zimbabwe, an ICC World XI, Sri Lanka and the West Indies (men’s and women’s teams). The final of the HBL PSL in March 2017 was played in Lahore, while three matches were held in 2018, including the final in Karachi. In the fourth edition, eight matches are scheduled for Pakistan.
Richards while referring to Pakistan playing at the neutral venues of United Arab Emirates, said said no one wants to be playing in exile all their lives. “Every team wants to be playing in front of their home fans and getting the support from the home crowds and that, to me, is always essential,” he said.
Richards, who played 121 Tests and 187 one-day internationals during his glorious career including two World Cup triumphs in 1975 and 1979, said PSL is one of the top leagues, for its ability to throw more and more talented players every year.
“PSL is one of the most important T20 tournaments and the players that come to play in this tournament are some of the best,” he said.
Richards praised the fast bowling talent that has come to fore from every edition of PSL since its inception in 2016. “This tournament is particularly good in finding some of these young talented players and that serves the purpose of a league,” he said.
Richards singled out former Quetta spinner Hassan Khan as a player for the future. “There are so many young individuals but I could only speak for the young players who are from the Gladiators. Mohammad Nawaz is one. Then Hassan Khan, I like his energy. I love Ahsan Ali (new Quetta opener), to me he is a good competitor and is hugely talented,” he said.
Talking about his trips to Pakistan for PSL and the Quetta family, Richards said it is just great for me to be here. “With people you have a lot of respect for and people who in return have respect for you. “The Quetta family, to me, is one of the better families where T20 cricket is concerned.”