China has potential to host Pakistan matches: Miandad

KARACHI: China should build a cricket stadium so it can host international tournaments and offer a neutral venue for Pakistan to stage their matches, former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad said on Wednesday.

miandad-afp_608x325 Miandad has been appointed as an advisor to the Chinese cricket association and said the world’s most populous country had the potential to become a leading cricket nation.

‘After they offered me the chance to become their advisor on cricket affairs, I have proposed to the Chinese cricket association to start hosting international events,’ Miandad, who played 124 tests, told Reuters on Wednesday.

‘I have told them an international venue can easily be built quickly after which they can host international multi-team events and also play host to Pakistan’s matches at neutral venues when needed.’

Pakistan have found themselves practically frozen out from test cricket due to security fears in the country.

Following the ambush of the Sri Lanka cricket team’s bus in Lahore last month, in which six players wounded, Pakistan has become a no-go zone for international sporting teams.

‘If we continue to have problems convincing teams to play in Pakistan because of their security concerns, China is a good option as a neutral venue as we have close ties with them,’ Miandad said.

Pakistan will play its one-day series against Australia this month in Abu Dhabi and Dubai as the world champions refused to travel to Pakistan.

Miandad said he had given several proposals to the Chinese association and Pakistan government.

‘By hosting international matches China can help cultivate cricket culture and interest for the sport among their youth,’ said Miandad, who visited Beijing last month as a cricket
ambassador.

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