The newly-appointed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaheryar Khan has sought Sri Lanka’s help to host international cricket again in the strife-torn country.

“Pakistan is following a gradual and step by step approach to open up and revive international cricket in Pakistan. In this regard, PCB chairman has invited Sri Lanka’s women cricket team, A team and under-19 teams to visit Pakistan. He assured that fool proof security arrangements will be made for the visiting teams,” a Pakistani High Commission release said.

Khan met Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president Jayantha Dharmadasa and discussed matters related to regional and bilateral cricket. He had also briefed the Sri Lankan side about improved security situation in Pakistan as a result of ongoing military operation against terrorist organisations.

Sri Lanka’s national team came under a terrorist attack in Lahore in March 2009. That brought curtains down on international cricket in Pakistan with cricket-playing nations refusing to tour the country on security grounds.

Since then Pakistan have opted for off shore venues in the UAE to host international teams. Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa in May this year told his Pakistani counterpart that he was willing to send the national team to play in Pakistan despite security concerns. - PTI