Wasim hopes international cricket goes on in Pakistan

LAHORE: Wasim Akram on Friday declared cricket cannot be kept away from Pakistan after watching the passion and successful staging of a limited over series against Zimbabwe — the country’s first in six years.
The 49-year-old former Pakistan captain said watching the passion of the fans at Gaddafi Stadium reminded him of his playing days.
“It’s unbelievable (to watch international cricket here),” said Wasim on the sidelines of second day-night match in Lahore.
“That’s something which brought back the memories of my playing days,” said Wasim who played 104 Tests and 356 One-day Internationals for Pakistan between 1984-2003.
“You can’t keep cricket away from Pakistan because the amount of passion and the amount of talent here.”
The pace legend praised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for making the series possible — the first in Pakistan since terrorists attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.
Foreign teams refused to tour Pakistan over secuirty fears and Zimbabwe only agreed to tour the terror-hit country after being promised security arrangements normally reserved for state heads.
“It’s a great achievement by the PCB and I must thank the Zimbabwe cricket team that they are here and the passion is great with 40 plus degree heat in the middle of the summer and fans had to battle massive security to create this great atmosphere,” said Wasim.