By Sohail Ali
LAHORE, Nov 17 (APP): Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board Ramiz Raja said on Wednesday that a huge mental effort and numerous discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its affiliated member nations helped in getting them convinced about Pakistan’s ability to host big international cricket events.
He said this during a virtual press conference on Wednesday. “The ICC and other members nations went through the pros and cons and after hectic conversations and going through the details, they came to a conclusion that Pakistan is fit to undertake, to launch, to administer and to boss such an event like ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” he added.
The PCB chief further said that the cricketing world has realised that Pakistan cannot be treated the way it has been in the last decade and it is the result of that realisation that the country has been awarded the rights to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The former Pakistan cricket captain said after New Zealand and and England’s pull-out from their respective tour to the country in earlier this year, Pakistan’s narrative was strong at the international stage. “We spoke the truth, we spoke from our heart, it was an emotional turbulence that we had to face. The world understood our hurt and it had also realised that we have put in a huge effort, that’s why we are now being awarded international events.”
The PCB chairman also appreciated the efforts which were put in by previous administrations to help Pakistan get to this stage and eventually win the Champions Trophy hosting honours. “We’ve been consistent in our efforts to bring cricket back to Pakistan in the last 10 years and we’ve convinced the world by taking baby steps along the way. Its really tough to present your case and achieve success. It took time to change Pakistan’s perspective. Many people have worked hard to make this happen,” he asserted.
Ramiz also credited Pakistan’s performance at the recently-concluded T20 World Cup for representing the country in the best-possible way on the field. Pakistan won five of their six matches at the showpiece, ending their tournament after a close battle against eventual winners Australia in the semifinals.
He said Pakistan’s performance also determines the relevance of the PCB.
“Our cricketing abilities have been noticed,” said the former Pakistan captain. “We have our business in cricket and if the team doesn’t do well things aren’t perfect. The team should do well and we have to promote ourselves through the team and project ourselves through it.”
