Tours by Australia, England will help Pakistan re-emerge as strong cricketing nation: Sangakkara.

Byline: Abdul Ghaffar

LAHORE -- Former Sri Lankan captain and MCC President Kumar Sangakkara has praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Pakistan Government, its security officials and the cricket fans for lending their full support and cooperation during the highly successful MCC tour to Pakistan last February and said the world of cricket needs to see Pakistan cricket getting back to its fiercely competitive ways.

'When I landed in Lahore, I didn't feel any fear or anxiety. The security arrangement were so well managed, we felt very safe and very secure,' the legendary Sri Lankan batsman said while talking to former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja in a recent interview.

'Yes we travelled on bomb proof buses and witnessed many areas in city closed down to ensure our safe passage to hotel or to the stadium, but that was the requirement for security and I must say everything was very well managed and organized,' added Sangakkara who led the MCC side on the short visit.

'It was like home coming for me when I reached Gaddafi Stadium for the first match, especially for me,' he said. 'I feel very happy and proud, I would like to thank the Pakistan cricket fans, PCB and everyone for their hospitality and our wonderful tour.

Legendary Sri Lankan batsman has exclusive chat with Ramiz Raja

'Having said that, the MCC tour to Pakistan is the first step among many that should be taken to restore top level cricket in the country,' said Sangakkara. 'I feel that all reservations will vanish when Australia or England tour Pakistan. That will be a litmus test. May be 3 or 5 Tests matches will not be possible right away, but why not two or three ODIs or why not start with 4 T20Is to kick start this process because we really need a strong Pakistan team which will re-emerge when top teams will start playing in this country once again.'

Sangakkara said its very tough to predict when cricket can make an international return. 'It's a strange time, it's very hard to say and imagine cricket coming back in next few month in the same way and form. Its not viable and realistic. It will take a long time to see cricket happening in full stadiums, for people to feel confident enough to congregate together to support wonderful game of cricket or any other game or even social gatherings,' observed Sangakkara.

Talking about Test cricket's survival, he said: 'To protect Test cricket we not only need to attract players but also fans to appreciate they want to see in Test...

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