ISLAMABAD: New Zealand has offered to play cricket matches in Pakistan to raise funds for those affected by floods that have devastated the country, a Pakistan Cricket Board official said Sunday.
“We have received an e-mail from New Zealand Cricket in which they have said they are even willing to play inPakistan to raise funds,” PCB spokesman Nadeem Sarwar told The Associated Press.
“It’s (the tour) in a very early stage, but we think it’s a very good gesture on the part of NZC.”
Cricket tours of Pakistan were abandoned after the Sri Lanka team’s convoy was attacked by gunmen last year.
At least eight million people in Pakistan are in need of water, shelter or other emergency assistance.
The Zimbabwe Cricket Union has already said it is planning to send its national team toPakistan to raise funds for relief efforts.
“Not only international cricket will be revived in Pakistan with these tours, it will also help us to raise funds for people affected by these floods,” Sarwar said.
Pakistan was stripped of its status as co-host for the 2011 World Cup after the ambush on the Sri Lanka cricket team’s bus at Lahore in March last year. Six police officers and a van driver were killed and several Sri Lankan players and officials were injured.
With foreign teams staying away due to security concerns, Pakistan has played in neutral venues, including United Arab Emirates and England.
Last year Pakistan played a one-day series against New Zealand in the UAE and also played its ‘home’ test series in New Zealand.
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