Najam Sethi believes that international cricket can be regularly played in Pakistan in two years’ time

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi is confident that international cricket will be played on a regular basis in Pakistan in two years’ time.

Pakistan hosted a World XI last year before also welcoming Sri Lanka to their shores for a Twenty20 International.

With more matches in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) set to be held in the country, along with the final, which is scheduled to be played in Lahore, Sethi is optimistic that international cricket will return to Pakistan.

“If we prepare our stadiums, we will be able to host matches with time,” Sethi was quoted as saying by CricTracker. “I believe international cricket will be fully restored in Pakistan within two years, at most.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan were recently whitewashed 5-0 during their ODI series in New Zealand. While they won the Twenty20 series that followed, Sethi acknowledged that a majority of the focus going forward will be on the 2019 World Cup.

“The PSL has prepared us for T20s. Now we have to prepare for ODIs and Tests,” he said. “That’s why we are building a young team. It takes time for young players to become stars. Now our focus in on the 2019 World Cup, and we are getting ready for it. You will see that the [inconsistency] will go away soon.”

With the 2018 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) right around the corner, Sethi is well aware of the spot-fixing scandal that sullied the tournament last year.

Given that a number of Pakistan players, including Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif, were indicted in the scandal, Sethi has vowed to take a hardline approach on any corrupt activities in the future.

“There is no room for forgiveness. We are monitoring with strict vigilance. There is absolutely zero tolerance,” he said.