Zimbabwe tour of Pakistan

[The_Reaper]

There was talk about this during the world cup and Kenya did play 5 matches against Pakistan A in Pakistan last december.

But this would be the first real international cricket in Pakistan since 2009 (well Afghanistan played a couple of one off matches but security wise Afghanistan is worse off than Pakistan).

Apparently Dav Whatmore, the current coach of Zimbabwe and the former coach of Pakistan has played a big role in this. Zimbabwe do need to play more international cricket to develop and to keep players.

Apparently there will be three ODIs in Lahore and two T20s in Karachi

Edit: Confirmed.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/zimbabwe/content/story/868453.html

all matches to be played in Lahore which is where the Sri Lankans got attacked

Edit: Cancelled after yesterdays terrorist attack in Karachi

 

[Hellgood]

Good news, but genuinely hope that the Zimbabwean security is not compromised in any way. Sad state of affairs if nations are willing to put themselves in dangerous situations just so that they can play international cricket - not that it's an issue the BCCI, CA or the ECB could give a **** about.

International cricket's return to Pakistan will be a great thing, but after what happened to the Sri Lankan's there's going to have to be a hell of a lot of assurances.

 

[Belnakor]

Madness to be honest.

People thought the Sri Lankans wouldn't be targets since they weren't a "Western" country ala England and Australia.

Zimbabwe in the same boat.

 

[Borderline]

It's such an easy target for the Muslim terrorists, although international soccer has been played in Pakistan lately without incident AFAIK, so fingers crossed it's okay.

 

[The_Reaper]

http://www.espncricinfo.com/zimbabwe/content/story/868453.html

It's now confirmed

 

[Buzzasto DaSilva]

Brilliant news

Great for both teams, will just be a shame that Taylor won't play

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

Three one day games and two T20Is barely seem worth it. I guess Pakistan have to start with something and Zimbabwe desparately need any game they can get.

Hopefully all goes well with no security incidents. Lahore is not immune by any means, as we see regularly enough, but is generally a safer part of Pakistan.

 

[Hellgood]

If they were to play tests, then the tour would be a lot longer which would be undesirable from a security perspective. Can see why they want to ease their way back into it.

 

[The_Reaper]

And it's off

 

[ioppolo]

 

[Bomberboyokay]

But why

 

[The_Reaper]

But why

Terrorist attacks in Karachi a couple of days ago?

 

[Belnakor]

Any guarantees given by the Pakistan government are worthless. Good decision.

The Sri Lankans were supposed to have "presidential" level security. Yet when the bus was attacked the terrorists were firing freely for 20 minutes and none of them were captured or wounded.

 

[The_Reaper]

Any guarantees given by the Pakistan government are worthless. Good decision.

The Sri Lankans were supposed to have "presidential" level security. Yet when the bus was attacked the terrorists were firing freely for 20 minutes and none of them were captured or wounded.

http://www.herald.co.zw/chevrons-pakistan-tour-on/

And now it is back on.

Looks like bribes are more important than player safety in Zimbabwe

 

[Sammo360]

Sadly, Zimbabwe probably need this tour more than Pakistan at the moment. Zimbabwe are desperate for cricket and Pakistan has agreed to a reciprocal tour later this year.

 

[ioppolo]

Zimbabwe also need the money.

 

[ManWithNoName]

ICC aren't sending any officials on the tour.

 

[Bomberboyokay]

ICC aren't sending any officials on the tour.

Umpires?

 

[The_Reaper]

Umpires?

Zimbabwe are sending one and Pakistan are providing the others.

 

[Sammo360]

Zimbabwe are sending one and Pakistan are providing the others.

Hopefully not Russell Tiffin.

 

[The_Reaper]

Hopefully not Russell Tiffin.

Pretty sure it is Russell Tiffin

 

[Weagleman]

Why would they cancel the tour just to commence it again, money aside they obviously felt they was a credible threat to the players and coaches, do they think now that the threat level is low enough to continue the tour?

 

[Buzzasto DaSilva]

Pakistan have recalled Sami and Malik for the series

 

[Hellgood]

Pakistan have recalled Sami and Malik for the series

Whilst I do agree that these selections are poor, I do love the merry-go-round that is the Pakistan cricket team. Next thing you know Faisal Iqbal and Rao Ifhiktar will be back in the side.

 

[The_Reaper]

Whilst I do agree that these selections are poor, I do love the merry-go-round that is the Pakistan cricket team. Next thing you know Faisal Iqbal and Rao Ifhiktar will be back in the side.

Next thing we know, Afridi will be out of retirement as ODI Captain