Pakistan regains top cricketing nation status in Sethi’s tenure: Sallu

LAHORE: Former Chief Selector Salahuddin Ahmed Sallu on Friday hailed the dynamic leadership of Pakistan Cricket Board chief Najam Sethi which, he said, has seen significantly positive things happening for the country in the recent months, and added that the shifting of the Asia Cup from India to Abu Dhabi is a morale-boosting development for Pakistan.

Speaking to The News from Karachi on Friday, Sallu said: “Sethi’s dynamic leadership and brilliant handling of Pakistan cricket matter has seen so many positive things happening in a very short time, including the World XI tour, the visits by Sri Lanka and West Indies cricket teams, the Pakistan Super League matches in Lahore and Karachi and many more which augurs well for the country.”

He said after facing a traumatic period of isolation for nearly eight years, Pakistan cricket is making big strides and is regaining the status of a major cricketing force around the world. “The revised ICC Future Tours Programme has seen Pakistan getting considerably higher number of matches than ever before for which the credit entirely goes to Sethi’s forceful representation at the world body meetings,” recalled Sallu. “And now the icing on the cake is the shifting of the Asia Cup out of India and into the UAE which shows how strong a voice Pakistan now have in world cricket.”

Sallu, who is also advisor to PCB chief for the Southern Region, said the return of international cricket to Pakistan has sent a wave of jubilation across Pakistan and among the cricket-starved fans who are now returning to the stadiums with full zeal and excitement. “The packed crowds in the West Indies series is a testament to that and Insha-Allah there will be more good news for Pakistan cricket in store, thanks to Sethi’s good relations with the member cricket boards,” he observed.

Sallu also lauded the PCB’s move to renovate the historic National Stadium for the PSL final. “It was a Herculean task indeed, but once against Sethi was determined and the Sindh CM and his team showed their resolve to get it renovated for the PSL final that has won the hearts of Karachiites,” said the former Test cricketer.

“So many young and dashing players have emerged on Pakistan cricket horizon recently, thanks to PSL. Though we have a very busy and tough international schedule ahead including Tests against Ireland, England, South Africa and other nations as well the limited over games and I am confident that the national team will do very well in the overseas matches,” concluded Sallu.