MCC to visit Pakistan in February, South Africa may tour in March: Wasim Khan.

KARACHI -- One of the most prestigious cricket clubs in the world, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have agreed to send their team to Pakistan in February next year while a short tour by South Africa is also on the cards. This was disclosed by CEO Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Wasim Khan here on Wednesday at the National Stadium on the eve of Pakistan's second Test against Sri Lanka.

'The MCC side will be lead by former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara, who is also the president of the club. All matches will be played at the Aitchison College ground in Lahore. The tour's full itinerary and the team squads will be announced in January. MCC will be visiting Pakistan after 50 years,' said the excited CEO.

'We've been speaking to them comprehensively over the last two or three months. I'm delighted that they've confirmed,' said Wasim. 'For us it is a major coup.'

According to a PCB press release, at the MCC World Cricket Committee meeting held at Lord's in August, the MCC reaffirmed their support in seeing touring sides return to Pakistan - with security analysis being a prerequisite - following a presentation and discussion with Wasim.

'It was agreed that MCC would consider touring Pakistan in the future and following a full investigation into security measures and assessment into the viability of the trip. The Club can confirm they have accepted an invitation from the PCB to tour in February,' the press release said.

Bangladesh asked to explain reservations over playing Tests in Pakistan

PCB is also expecting South Africa to tour Pakistan in March for a three-match T20 International series. Wasim revealed that Cricket South Africa has agreed to send the team but it has to be seen if the players are comfortable to visit. 'We've been speaking to South Africa about coming to play three T20s in Pakistan at the end of March,' Wasim said.

'The [South African] board has signed it off but we're waiting for the players to confirm if they're ready to come.'

The PCB chief executive said leadership changes in Cricket South Africa have delayed the progress on the matter. However, he hoped there will be 'good news' in the coming weeks.

Bangladesh are also scheduled to play two Tests and three T20s in Pakistan in January. However, they've shown reluctance to play the Tests - part of the International Cricket Council Test Championship - in the country. Wasim said he has written to the Bangladesh Cricket Board to ask about the reasons for their reluctance.

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