Cricket should return to Pakistan (From Asian Image)

Cricket should return to Pakistan

10:23am Monday 22nd June 2009

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Younus Khan hopes to use Pakistan’s World Twenty20 triumph as a vehicle for international cricket returning to their country.

Pakistan sealed only their second world title and first in 17 years by defeating favourites Sri Lanka by eight wickets at Lord’s and Younus subsequently implored other nations to consider away series against his side.

The terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March has left the rest of the cricketing community ill at ease when it comes to a return while security concerns meant Pakistan had previously gone 15 months without hosting a Test series.

”Because we are now champions of World Twenty20 and everybody all over the world follows Twenty20 cricket these days, I think we should now have some home series,” said Younus.

”I would request all of the countries: ‘you must come to Pakistan’.

”Especially for youngsters, we need home series because if there is no cricket there how can we motivate them?

”If there is no international cricket in Pakistan, how can I motivate my son or my neighbours?

”What is happening is not our fault and we are suffering from these kind of things.

”I am very proud of my nation and this victory will be nice for all of us. Sports should be kept away from politics.”

Four early wickets, after Sri Lanka opted for their favourite tactic of batting first, meant a chase of only 139 to emulate the 1992 World Cup success in Australia.

Pakistan sealed their triumph thanks to another fine display from rejuvenated all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who hit an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls.

Younus, draped in a Pakistan flag, dedicated the final triumph to former coach Bob Woolmer, who died during the 2007 World Cup.

”This final must be dedicated to Bob because he did a lot of good for us, especially my cricket,” said Younus.

”He would be very proud if he was still alive.”

Younus also chose the final victory to confirm his retirement from Twenty20 international cricket.

For once man-of-the-tournament Tillekeratne Dilshan failed with the bat for Sri Lanka and so it was left to undefeated efforts of 64 and 35 respectively from captain Kumar Sangakkara and Angelo Mathews to keep the game in the balance at halfway.

Sri Lanka fell at the final hurdle in the 2007 World Cup and their early failings resulted in a repeat.

”We had Dilshan firing right throughout the tournament but unfortunately we couldn’t expect him to do it every single time,” Sangakkara said.

”There were other batsmen in the side who could take responsibility. We just didn’t do our basics right.

”We were short by around 20 runs on this track. It is heartbreak when you lose in finals but Pakistan outplayed us.”

By Richard Gibson

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