As Australia and Pakistan cricket teams face each other in Rawalpindi—the first series between the two sides in Pakistan in 24 years— both the boards believe that it is not just about cricket.
“It’s about mutual respect, understanding and admiration,” Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Faisal Hasnain said in a press conference flanked by Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley, International Cricket Council CEO Geoff Allardice, and Australia Cricketers’ Association CEO Todd Greenberg.
He further said that it was about all sides working together as a team, towards a common objective and with a sincere intent.
“That’s why we’re all sitting here and demonstrating to the world that the international cricketing community remains firm in its unity.
“Whatever the result on the field, whatever the outcome, the ultimate winner will be this glorious game of cricket,” he said.
Hasnain stressed that the tour sends out a strong and a positive message to the entire world.
“I am confident that when the Australian team returns home, they will take fond memories with them and will all become ambassadors of Pakistan,” he maintained.
In the same length, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice shared that a strong Pakistan was very important for international cricket.
“I know this series is an important one for the PCB and cricket fans in Pakistan. I think over the last five years, this Australia side will be the sixth Test playing nation to visit Pakistan during that period. It’s a, significant moment for both the sides.”
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Nick Hockley thanked PCB and everyone in Pakistan and the ACA for the team effort.
Greenberg acknowledging the difficulties faced by the people in Pakistan said: “To the people of Pakistan, when the roads are closed and the cavalcade come through, we understand that creates some other difficulties for people in Pakistan. We want to say thank you and we appreciate that effort to allow us to be secure and to get to the ground and to get to training and all those sorts of things.”
