Ever since the Sri Lankan team suffered a terrorist attack a decade ago in Pakistan, International cricket was banned in the country. Since then, combined efforts have been made by the PCB to get the game rolling back on the Pakistani shores. Another attempt has been made this year with the Sri Lankans currently touring the nation for 3 ODIs and as many T20Is across Karachi and Lahore.
While ten Lankan cricketers including the likes of T20I skipper Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera, and Angelo Matthews withdrew from the Pakistan tour, numerous several former Pakistani cricketers have voiced their opinion about bringing cricket back. However, former Windies bowler, Michael Holding is in Karachi currently and was hosted for dinner by former Pakistani captain, Shahid Afridi.
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Shahid Afridi took to Twitter to express his honor in hosting the legendary Holding. He tweeted: “A real honor to host the legendary Michael Holding for a dinner at home. Thank you, Dr. Kashif, for arranging Michael’s visit to Karachi. Also, thank you to Saeed Anwar for joining us. Great to have some legends visit me”.
A real honour to host the legendary Michael Holding for a dinner at home. Thank you Dr Kashif for arranging Michael's visit to Karachi. Also thank you to Saeed Anwar for joining us. Great to have some legends visit me. pic.twitter.com/Rg2JQnDxXx
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 29, 2019
On being asked whether he had any doubts regarding his security while coming to Pakistan, Holding in his typical nonchalant manner shrugged it off, confirmed that he had no apprehensions while visiting the nation, and also went on to say that Pakistan should not be isolated from the game just because of something happened a decade ago
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As per the quotes in the dawn, Holding said, “If I had any apprehension or fear of security, I wouldn’t have come to Pakistan. I have no problem here. It is good and encouraging news that the Sri Lankans are here in Pakistan to play international matches. It’s useful to have security precautions which obviously is every country’s priority and Pakistan is not any different, but Pakistan should not be isolated from the game just because of something that happened ten years ago.”
Holding is also expected to attend the 2nd ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the National Stadium Karachi.
