Viv Richards: “I’m hoping that the PSL final in Karachi may inspire [some of those] who felt that Pakistan wasn’t safe enough for them to come”
Legendary West Indies batsman Sir Viv Richards believes that it is safe for international cricket to return to Pakistan.
Pakistan have been doing everything in their power to bring international cricket back to its shores and last year, they hosted a World XI and even played a Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka in Lahore.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi confirmed that next month, the West Indies will tour the country for a three-match Twenty20 series.
With Richards in Pakistan due to the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he serves as the Quetta Gladiators’ mentor, the 66-year-old was quoted by The Nation as saying: “I’m happy to be here [in Pakistan]. I’m hoping that the PSL final in Karachi may inspire [some of those] who felt that Pakistan wasn’t safe enough for them to come…that everything is okay [here].
“I’m hoping I can send a message to the world that Karachi, and Pakistan on the whole, is a very safe and good place.”
Richards added that the Pakistani people have been extremely hospitable since he arrived in Pakistan.
“I’m very honoured and privileged to be in such an environment where you feel lots of love. It cannot get any better than this,” he said.