International cricket will return fulltime in Pakistan soon: Sangakkara

Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara, who is also President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has expressed confidence that international cricket will return fulltime to Pakistan very soon. Making it clear that security is a major concern everywhere in world, Sangakkara lauded steps that have been taken in Pakistan over past few years to encour teams and players to play in country. "We should t lose sight of importance. Pakistan's strength, in big picture, as far as global cricket is concerned and keeping it strong and healthy and MCC tour is a part of this puzzle," Sangakkara said.

'International cricket will return fulltime'

former left-handed batsman, who had toured Pakistan in 2009 when militants attacked Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, said that he was confident more international cricket will be played in Pakistan. He ted that cricket was a global sport and belonged to everyone and it was important for teams and players to play at home and in front of home crowds.  "If re is home cricket for a long period of time, re is always a danger that people might lose interest and youngsters will move away from sport."

Sangakkara will lead MCC XI, which will play a round of T20 matches against franchise teams of Pakistan Super League as part of club's vision of supporting cricket in country. former Lankan captain ted that cricket had power to blend and join people of different countries toger and recalled how Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and ors had all come toger to support Sri Lankan cricket in 1996 World Cup.

" more times international sides tour, that mess becomes stronger and becomes harder to igre. 

"I think that is wonderful for game, it is wonderful for country and it's great for global game. We should t lose sight of how important strength of Pakistan is in that big picture of having global cricket in a very, very healthy and strong state."

Pakistan Cricket Board is spending nearly $100,000 on hosting MCC squad which will remain in Lahore. 

Last December, Test cricket returned to Pakistan after more than a decade when y hosted Sri Lanka for two matches.

(Im credits: AP)