PCB chief operating officer Saleem Altaf feels international cricket's return to Pakistan hinges on political stability in the country.
PCB chief operating officer Saleem Altaf feels international cricket's return to Pakistan hinges on political stability in the country, essential to ensure a secure environment for touring teams.
Altaf admitted Pakistan cricket has been isolated after the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore earlier this month and may have to play an upcoming home series against New Zealand at a neutral venue.
"I think we are already mentally preparing to play that series at neutral venues as that is the only option available to us at this stage unless there is stability in the country," Altaf said.
"The situation is not so simple and it is a lasting problem. Once there is political stability in the country and a secure environment teams will return to play international cricket.
"The rest of the world sees the situation in Pakistan as volatile and unless that perception changes with time, it is very difficult for the Pakistan Cricket Board to convince teams to come here," he added.
He said finding neutral venues to host New Zealand later in the year would be difficult.
Altaf said the positive thing amid the cancellations is that Pakistan is not scheduled to host too many teams in the next 12 months and plays most of its cricket abroad.
"That at least ensures that our cricket goes on and in the meantime we can concentrate on improving our domestic structure as well," he added.
He said PCB has suffered financially and the board was doing its best to keep the budget under control.
"Cancellations by Australia and India and the relocation of the Champions Trophy have also hit us. Although the ICC has assured us we will get the hosting fees of USD 2.75 million for the Champions Trophy even if it is held in South Africa this year," he stated.
Altaf admitted the attack on the Sri Lankan team was a big incident and it would take some time for Pakistan cricket to recover from it.
He said the cancellation of Pakistan team's tour to Bangladesh by their board was disappointing.
"But we would only comment on it once we get a full explanation in writing from them on the reasons for not hosting us," he stated.
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