Pakistan sports minister Aftab Jillani has met ICC chief exec Haroon Lorgat to discuss the future of cricket in the troubled nation.
ICC keen for speedy return of of international game
Pakistan sports minister Aftab Jillani has met with ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat to discuss the future of cricket in the troubled nation.
The pair met to discuss ways to ensure the sport doesn't slip backward after a number of turbulent months for the sport in the Asian country.
Other Test nations have expressed concerns over competing on the sub continent and on April 17 the ICC removed Pakistan as a co-host of the 2011 World Cup due to security fears.
The move came in the wake of last month's attack by gunmen on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, which left six policeman and a driverdead and seven Sri Lankan players, a coach and an umpire wounded.
Lorgat and Jillani spoke in Dubai on Friday, where Pakistan is currently playing a one-day international series against Australia.
Committed
In a statement released by ICC Jillani said he was disappointed at the ICC's decision to leave India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as the remaining co-hosts in the World Cup.
"We did not agree on every point but I am confident the ICC is committed to making sure international cricket will flourish again in Pakistan,"
"The ICC is a very important body and cricket cannot be revived in Pakistan without it, so I am very happy that Mr Lorgat is determined to make sure the game survives and thrives in our country.
"I now know the ICC will not let Pakistan cricket fall back during this difficult time."
Lorgat stressed that the decision to strip Pakistan of the World Cup co-hosting rights was through no fault of the PCB and pledged the support of the ICC in its quest for a swift return of international cricket to the country.
"Our number one priority is to deliver a safe, secure and successful event," he said.
"And the uncertainty created by events within Pakistan created a huge question mark over our ability to do that.
"We want teams to return to play cricket in Pakistan as soon as possible and we are willing to assist the Pakistan Cricket Board to prepare for that time.
"Unfortunately, the security situation is not something we control and nor is it something that is the fault of the PCB."
