Pakistan ready to host international matches, says Shoaib Malik

Rawalpindi, Apr 3(ANI): Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik said fans were desperate to see foreign teams play international tournaments in the country.

"The discipline shown by the fans prove that we deserve international cricket and the successful event with immaculate security proves that we can host international cricket," The Daily Times quoted Malik, as saying.

"We have been playing on foreign venues, which not only deprives the fans but also young players who want to improve their skills in the game, they can't do that when they don't see their stars play before them," he said.

His statement came after the Pakistan authorities said the country is ready to stage cricket tournaments after a three-year break.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has invited Bangladesh for a limited-overs series later this month, but is still awaiting a response.

A PCB board member, Javed Miandad said the success of the Super-8 showed the appetite for international cricket was enormous.

"This event sends a big message to the world. We don't have to say anything, 22,000 people on Sunday night demanded the return of international cricket in Pakistan and we can host that in near future," he said.

International cricket has been suspended in Pakistan since gunmen opened fire on the Sri Lanka team bus on its way to the Lahore Test that killed eight people and injured several players and officials in 2009. (ANI)