Qasim praises BCB for complete tour to Pakistan.

Byline: Mohsin Ali

ISLAMABAD -- Former Test cricketer Iqbal Qasim has praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) for scheduling Bangladesh's complete tour in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

During an interview with The Nation on Wednesday, former chief selector Qasim said: 'It is obvious that international teams will show some reluctance before agreeing to tour Pakistan. We have to understand that international cricket remained away from the country for more than a decade. We are grateful to the ICC, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), its players and officials for traveling here and helping Pakistan and international cricket, as a cricketing super power like Pakistan cannot be ignored for so long.

'Yes security was an issue, but now we have eliminated terrorism menace from the country with the effective measures taken by our government, armed forces and people. Sri Lankan team played matches in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi without any untoward incident, which shows that Pakistan is completely safe for hosting all kinds of bilateral series and mega events. I am sure that Pakistan will be the hub of international events soon.'

The former cricketer said: 'The way PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani, CEO Wasim Gulzar Khan and BCB officials met in UAE and ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar played instrumental role in scheduling this tour, is really commendable. It will give more confidence to the...