Pakistan trying to get foreign cricket teams to tour country

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is looking to get international cricket back to the country, and to begin with, it will invite a Commonwealth XI to tour Pakistan later this year. The PCB is in talks with the English and Wales board over the issue.

Speaking to the media, Head of the Executive Committee of the PCB Najam Sethi said: "We are in touch with Giles Clarke, President of England and Wales Cricket Board, because we feel if we can have the Commonwealth side play in Pakistan than we can also have some matches of the second edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Pakistan as well," as quoted by Firstpost.

"If that happens it will break the ice for us and we can also have a few matches of the Pakistan Super League in Pakistan next edition."

No top Test team has toured Pakistan since March 2009, when militants attacked a bus carrying Sri Lankan players in Lahore. Since then, only Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have sent their players over. All other teams have refused to visit Pakistan due to security concerns.

The reluctance has resulted in Pakistan playing all their home matches in the United Arab Emirates since 2009, a venue where they have actually had more success. In fact, the inaugural PSL is currently being played in the Middle East, something which the PCB wants to bring home in order to make it viable for teams to tour the country.

Pakistan recently got a shot in the arm, when West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell said he would play in the country. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Russell said: "Based on what I have heard and stuff you know, I mean, I am going to be scared obviously. But for some reason, I would go to Pakistan. But listen, I am going to be scared. That's the thing."