Sports Desk ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan wheelchair tennis star Asif Gul Abbasi won back to back two singles titles for Pakistan in two weeks at Wrexham indoor wheelchair tennis tournament and Bolton indoor wheelchair tennis tournament at Bolton arena in, UK. Abbasi, who is the only current Pakistani tennis player representing his country at international level. He made history when he became the first ever Pakistani who won an international tennis tournaments first in ITF futures tournament back in 2017 at same venue in Wrexham. Now he again created new history for Pakistan when he won two in a row titles including ITF 3 and ITF 2 at Wrexham and Bolton respectively. Abbasi who was also finalist of Wrexham doubles event with British partner and winner of Bolton doubles event with Japanese player beat his more experienced counterparts at the events. In these two weeks he lost only doubles final match and won all his matches throughout the tournaments. Abbasi said, "It was very eventful two weeks for me as I was not fully prepared for these tournaments due to lack of funds. I didn't play tennis for last 3 months before the tournaments, “he added. He said that he was not expecting these results but by the Grace of Almighty Allah and with the prayers of family and friends he made it in the end for Pakistan. It was proud moment when umpires announced his name "Asif Abbasi from Pakistan. Further he added that if Pakistani organizations would help him in his training he could do much better for Pakistan at international level, and could also qualify for Paralympics. Abbasi, who also holds level 3 coaching certification in tennis, level 2 cricket coaching and fundamental movement skills level-II certification. It is worth mentioning here that he is also excellent cricket player and plays in LDPD National cricket championship league for Surrey county. He won two consecutive years "Player of the year awards" for 2018 and 2019 season.

SB News KARACHI (February 22, 2020):-Kamran Akmal’s blistering 55-ball 101 secured Peshawar Zalmi a six-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in the fourth match of the HBL PSL 2020 at Karachi’s National Stadium. The wicketkeeper-batsman began Zalmi’s run-chase in style, hitting two sixes and two fours off Mohammad Nawaz in the first over on his way to his third century in the HBL PSL. Kamran, who is the leading run-scorer in the HBL PSL with 1,430 runs in 49 matches, struck 13 fours and four sixes to help Zalmi chase down the 149-run target with nine balls spare on a day when the PCB observed Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. Haider Ali, Pakistan U19 opener, scored 25 off 28 in an 82-run partnership for the second-wicket with Kamran. Earlier, Gladiators, at the back of Jason Roy’s unbeaten 73, made 148 for five after being asked to field first. The English opener struck six fours and a six in 57 balls and crafted a 62-run stand for the third-wicket with Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who struck five fours and a six in his 41 off 25 balls. Zalmi’s Pacer Wahab Riaz took two wickets for 21 runs in four overs, while Rahat Ali and Amir Khan and Darren Sammy picked up a wicket each. For his extraordinary batting performance which gave Zalmi their first win of the season, Kamran was named player of the match. Peshawar Zalmi take on Multan Sultans in what will be first HBL PSL match in Multan on Wednesday, while Quetta Gladiators play Karachi Kings tomorrow afternoon at National Stadium, Karachi. Scores in brief Quetta Gladiators 148-5, 20 overs (Jason Roy 73 not out, Sarfaraz Ahmed 41; Wahab Riaz 2-21) Peshawar Zalmi 153-4, 18.3 overs (Kamran Akmal 101, Haider Ali 25; Fawad Ahmed 2-40) Result Quetta Gladiators win by six wickets

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 22, 2020):-The2nd Seed Mohammad Shoaib of Pakistan won the title of Boys Singles of Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Championship by beating Ahmed Kamil (PAK) at Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Saturday. The 2nd Seed Muhammad Shoaib was in excellent form and displayed skill of his forehand, backhand shots and won the first set with conceding a single game by breaking 2nd, 4th and 6th game of Kamil. He kept the same pressure in the second set and did not allow his opponent to settle down through his powerful winner down the line and cross court. He won the second set without conceding a single game. The match lasted 40 minutes. He gained valuable 30 ITF Points and this the first ITF Title in his cap. 3rd Seed Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) clinched the Girls Singles title after eliminating top seed Ren Ke (CHN) in exciting three set match. Mina won the first set 7-6 in tie break with the score of 7-5. Ren Ke fought back and won the second set 6-1 by breaking 4th & 6th game of Mina. In the final set Ren Ke build up the winning lead 3-0 by breaking 1st and 3rd game. Mina leveled the score 3-3all by breaking 6th game of Ren Ke and hit couple of forehand powerful winner at the crucial stage . She won the final set at 6-4 by bearking 8th and 10th game of Ren Ke. The match lasted 2 hrs 5 minutes and officiated by ITF White Badge Umpire Shahzad Akhtar Alvi. Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) / Ahmed Kamil (PAK) annexed the Boys Doubles Title in exciting and entertaining final. Soaib / Kamil won the first set 6-3 by breaking 2nd game, Duran / Ozlale lelvel the score 1 set all by winning the second set at 6-4; the match decided in the match tie break set which won by Shoaib / Kamil 14-12 after saving two match points. The match lasted 1 hrs 20 minutes. Shoaib from Pakistan won the double crown by winning doubles final.  50 players from 20 countries Azerbaijan, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Russia, Turkey, Chinese Taipei, Great Britain, Romania, Nepal, Italy, China, Iran, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, USA, Malaysia, Korea, Sri Lanka and host Pakistan participated in this Championships. High standard of tennis witnessed during the championships, the tournament was named in the memory of Late Syed Tajammul Abbas and Senator Syed Dilawar Abbas, both played vital role for the promotion of tennis in the country. Dilawar Sahib remained Present of Pakistan Tennis Federation, Lifetime Senior Vice President Asian Tennis Federation and Member of ITF Constitutional Committee, He was also the lifetime member of Islamabad Tennis Association, as the tournament was sponsored by his family, Fatima Group, and SNGPL. Following are the results: Boys Singles Final Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Ahmed Kamil (PAK) 6-0, 6-0 Girls Singles Final Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat Ren Ke (CHN) 7-6(5), 1-6, 6-4 Boys Doubles Final Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) / Ahmed Kamil (PAK) beat Duran Birtan (TUR) Ozlale Kerem (TUR) 6-3, 4-6, 14-12.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 21, 2020):- Top seed Dora Cheraghi (IRI and Bilur Gonlusen (TUR) have won the Girls Doubles title of Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships 2020 after beating their opponents in the final at Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Friday. Top seed Dora Cheraghi (IRI and Bilur Gonlusen (TUR) won the Girls Doubles title of Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships in a well contested two set final at 6-4, 7-6(3). Dorsa & Bilur built up the winning lead 4-0 by breaking 1st and 4th game of Leyla and Mina and in the second set all the players displayed excellent game of tennis and long rallies were witness during the match which was won by Dora & Bilur in a tie break. In the first semi final of Boys Singles; 4th seed Ahmed Kamil of Pakistan made the major upset of the tournament when he eliminated top seed Haktan Garayev (AZE) in thrilling, exciting encounter of the day. Haktan won the first set 7-5 by breaking 12th game of Kamil at 0-40. Kamil changed the pace of game and won the second set at 6-3 by breaking 3rd and 9th game of Haktan. Kamil kept the same pressure in the final set and won by 6-4 by breaking 4th and 8th game of Garayev. The match lasted 2 hrs 16 minutes. Kamil proved his talent by showing excellent game of tennis and was very consistent from the baseline; he will face Muhammad Shaoib (PAK) in the Boys Singles final tomorrow at 2:00 PM. Earlier in the morning session Ahmed Kamil won his unfinished quarter final against Aryan Giri (NEP) in a well contested two set match 7-5, 7-5. In the second semi final of Boys Singles; 2ND Seed Muhammad Shaoib (PAK) moved into the Boys Singles Final by eliminating Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) in a one sided match 6-3, 6-0. Shaoib was in fine touch and did not allow his opponent to settle down during the second set with his powerful forehand, backhand deep drives. He won the second set with out conceding a single game by breaking 1st, 3rd and 5th game of Salik, he made two double fault in second set, match lasted 45 minutes. The best encounter of the day played between Top Seed Haktan Garayev (AZE) and Souta Oomura (JPN) in the quarter final. Oomura build up the winning lead 4-1 by breaking 2nd and 4th in the first set but Haktan level the score 5-5all by breaking 7th and 9th game of Oomura and set decided in the tie break which won by Haktan at 7-5. He hits some excellent ground strokes. In the second set score went up to 5-5all as both the players hold their respective serves; at this stage Oomura won the second set at 7-5 by breaking Haktan serve at 0-40 and level the match one set all. Top seed Haktan won the final set at 6-2 by breaking 4th and 6th game of Oomura. The match lasted 2 hrs 20 minutes. In the girls event Ren Ke (CHN) won her unfinished semi final in a well contested three set match 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 and qualified for the Girls Singles final where she will meet Mina Togludemir (TUR) tomorrow (Saturday) at 10:00 AM. In the Boys Doubles semi finals Birtan Duran (TUR) / Kerem Ozlale (TUR) beat Min Hung Kao (TPE) / Araiz Malik (PAK) in one sided affair 6-2, 6-1. Second semi final of Boys between Muhammad Shoib (PAK) and Ahmed Kamil (PAK) and Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quittne (AUS) is in progress.  In the Girls Doubles Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) and Dors Cheraghi (IRI) / Bilur Gonlusen (TUR) moved in to the Girls Doubles final by winning their respective semi finals in the morning session. Leyla Nilufer (TUR) / Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) struggle hard to win their semi final in a well contested thrilling three set match. Sing-in for the second week J5 Islamabad ITF Pakistan Junior (24-29 Feb-2020) for Boys Qualifying event between 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM is in progress. Following are the results: Boy’s Singles (Semi Finals) Mohammad Shaoib  beat Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) 6-3, 6-0; Ahmed Kamil (PAK) beat Haktan Garayev (AZE) 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. Boy’s Singles (Quarter Finals) Unfinished Match: Ahmed Kamil (PAK) beat Aryan Giri (NEP) 7-5, 7-5; Hakten Garayed (AZE) beat Souta Oomura (JPN) 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-2.. Girls Singles Semi Finals Unfinished Match: Ren Ke (CHN) beat Billur Gonlusen (TUR) 5-7, 6-1, 6-2. Boys Doubles Semi Finals Birtan Duran (TUR) / Kerem Ozlale (TUR) beat Min Hung Kao (TPE) / Araiz Malik (PAK) 6-2, 6-1; Mohammad Shoib (PAK)/ Ahmed Kamil (PAK) Vs Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quittne (AUS) (in progress) Girls Doubles Semi Finals Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat Sie Ding Ghai (MAS) / Ren Ke (CHN) 5-7, 6-4 (10-7); Dors Cheraghi (IRI) / Bilur Gonlusen (TUR) beat Amel Sammari (TUN) / Hannah Kaile Shen (HGK) 6-3, 6-1. Girls Doubles Final Dors Cheraghi (IRI) / Bilur Gonlusen (TUR) beat Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) 6-4, 7-6(3).

SB News ISLAMABAD (February 21, 2020):-Karachi Kings opened their HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 campaign with a thrilling 10 runs victory against one time champion Peshawar Zalmi at Karachi’s National Stadium on Friday. Right-arm pacer Umaid Asif defended 16 runs off the last over as Kings successful guarded their 201 for four. Liam Livingstone, batting at five, scored 54 not out from 29 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes, and crafted a crucial 62-run partnership with Darren Sammy (30 off 20) to keep the chase alive after Zalmi had lost five wickets for 128 runs in 14.3 overs. With 43 off 26 balls, Kamran Akmal was the other notable contributor with the bat as Zalmi scored 191 for seven in 20 overs. The opener struck five fours and two sixes. Umaid and Chris Jordan equally shared four wickets between them for 23 and 39 runs. Mohammad Amir and Cameron Delport took a wicket each. Earlier, Babar Azam and Imad Wasim scored half-centuries after Sammy, the Zalmi captain, opted to bowl first. Babar, later named man of the match, scored 78 off 56, hitting seven fours and two sixes, and Imad smashed three fours and three sixes in his 30-ball 50. The pair crafted a solid 97-run partnership for the third-wicket. Hasan Ali (two for 52) and Mohammad Mohsin (one for 35) were the wicket-takers for Peshawar Zalmi. In their next matches, Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings play Quetta Gladiators on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, at the National Stadium. Scores in brief Karachi Kings 201-4, 20 overs (Babar Azam 78, Imad Wasim 50, Cameron Delport 20; Hasan Ali 2-52) Peshawar Zalmi 191-7, 20 overs (Liam Livingstone 54, Kamran Akmal 43, Darren Sammy 30, Liam Dawson 22; Umaid Asif 2-23, Chris Jordan 2-39) Result Karachi Kings win by 10 runs.  

By BIPIN DANI Former Sri Lanka captain and wicket-keeper batsman, Kumar Sangakkara, who led the MCC team to Pakistan and scored a T20 fifty (at the age of 42 years 115 days) can break the world record, believes the present record holder Kaleem Shah. On Wednesday, the first non-British president Sangakkara scored 52 runs against Multan Sultans team.  In last November, Mozambique's Kaleem Shah hit 72* against Malawi when he was 43 year-219 days. Speaking exclusively over telephone from Mozambique, the senior team captain Kaleem Shah said, "if Sangakara breaks my record it will be a great honour for me that my name will be written with this legendary cricketer". Present Pakistani coach Misbah-ul-Haq had also registered a fifty in T-20 at the age of 42 plus. "I am feeling great to see my name with legends.. Sangakara is the favourite player of millions including me too and I love him the most". "This record is definitely nothing for both legends but because of their names its really proud moment and proud feelings for me". "If it was only to score fifty or hundred then he can break any record but here luckily our age is helping us and both of us are playing so it will be very interesting how he carries forward". "My best wishes for him and just want to meet him as a friend", Kaleem Shah signed off. Interestingly, the captain Kaleem Shah had eight Under-19 players in his national side last year.

SB News KARACHI (February 21, 2020):-Mohammad Hasnain’s maiden four-wicket haul and Azam Khan’s first-ever half-century helped Quetta Gladiators to begin their title defence with a three-wicket win over Islamabad United in the opening match of the HBL PSL 2020 at Karachi’s National Stadium. Hasnain returned four for 25 in his four overs which played a crucial role in bowling out Islamabad United for 168 in 19.1 overs after Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfaraz Ahmed opted to bowl. The right-arm pacer was supported by Ben Cutting and Sohail Khan who took three and two wickets respectively. With 64 runs from 40 balls, Dawid Malan, who hit five fours and three sixes, was the top-scorer in Islamabad’s innings. Wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi, who opened the innings, had the second best score of the innings (23 off 13). Quetta Gladiators chased down the target with nine balls spare as Azam, playing only his second T20, scored 59 off 33, hitting five fours and three sixes. The 21-year-old crafted a crucial 62-run partnership with his captain Sarfaraz (21 off 18) to help Gladiators recover from 26 for three. Mohammad Nawaz and Cutting chipped in with 23 off 13 and an unbeaten 12-ball 22 respectively down the order. For Islamabad, Musa Khan, the Pakistani international, took three wickets for 34 run, while bowling a maiden in his four overs. Akif Javed, Faheem Ashraf and Amad Butt picked up a wicket each. For his exploits with the ball, Hasnain was named man of the match. On Friday, Karachi Kings take on Peshawar Zalmi at the National Stadium, Karachi, while Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans lock horns at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Scores in brief Islamabad United 168 all-out, 19.1 overs (Dawid Malan 64, Luke Ronchi 23, Faheem Ashraf 20; Mohammad Hasnain 4-25, Ben Cutting 3-31, Sohail Khan 2-21) Quetta Gladiators 171-7, 18.3 overs (Azam Khan 59, Mohammad Nawaz 23, Ben Cutting 22 not out, Sarfaraz Ahmed 21; Mohammad Musa 3-30) Result Quetta Gladiators won by three wickets

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 20, 2020):-Khadija Tul Kubra and Jahanara Alam inspired Bangladesh to a morale-boosting five-run victory over Pakistan in the final ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 warm-up fixture at Allan Border Field. Javeria Khan of Pakistan plays a shot during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at Allan Border Field on February 20, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. Despite three run-outs, Murshida Khatun steered Bangladesh to 111-8 An electric fielding performance, including a sensational catch from Fargana Hoque to dismiss Javeria Khan, helped Bangladesh to a five-run win Pakistan’s opening game comes against West Indies on 26 February in Canberra and Bangladesh take on India in Perth two days earlier Bangladesh, who chose to bat in Brisbane, couldn’t find freedom but Murshida Khatun made 43 to lift her side to 111-8 from 20 overs. Pakistan couldn’t stitch together any meaningful partnerships in reply with Javeria Khan’s 41 the lone hand. Bangladesh’s top order were decimated in the second over as Shamima Sultana (3) mistimed a sweep to be caught behind off Anam Amin and a mix-up led to the run-out of Sanjida Islam (0). Promising keeper-batter Nigar Sultana Joty couldn’t make an early impression when Murshida’s straight drive was deflected onto her stumps by Aiman Anwer, run out backing up for 13. Murshida, set to make her T20 World Cup debut this month, heaved back-to-back boundaries and found her most reliable partner in Fargana Hoque. Fargana’s 21 saw the pair club together for 52 before Murshida was run out by Diana Baig in the 14th over. Pakistan kept things tight late on and the momentum swung their way when Aiman Anwer took two wickets in two balls in the final over. Bangladesh skipper Salma Khatun and attack leader Rumana led an early assault as Pakistan succumbed to 23 for three after three overs. The dangerous Bismah nicked off while driving, as did opener Ayesha Naseem on one of her first appearances for her country. The experienced duo of Javeria and Nida Dar offered temporary respite with a partnership of 27, the opener pulling to the boundary in the fifth over and Dar clearing long-on with a six in the seventh. Javeria kept fighting the tide and turning over strike but Nida could only find mid-wicket on 14 and when Iram Javed departed cheaply it was 59 for five. Javeria, who has featured in every edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup, peeled off successive fours in the 15th over to give her side hope but was sensationally caught on the long-on fence by Fargana Hoque, the crucial moment that settled the match. From there, it was all Bangladesh and three wickets in her final two overs saw Jahanara seal the victory in emphatic fashion. Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun said: “This win will give us a lot of confidence as we look to make a strong start to the tournament. “We were happy with our batting performance but we struggled in the last five overs, our run-rate was not very good, so that’s something we’ll look to work on and we didn’t bowl our yorkers well either at the death. “This match was a great opportunity for us to reset and rethink ahead of the World Cup.” Pakistan top-scorer Javeria Khan said: “We’re a bit disappointed. We made mistakes at crucial times. It was a good practice, but not the result we wanted. “We offered them plenty of bad balls and this is why they were able to get above 90, we didn’t field up to the mark either. “I got some runs but they don’t count if your team doesn't win. I'm annoyed with the way I got out, I should have finished the game for the team, and next time I will make sure I make the most of the opportunity.” Bangladesh beat Pakistan by five runs, Allan Border Field, Brisbane Bangladesh 111-8, 20 overs (Murshida Khatun 43, Fargana Hoque 21; Aiman Anwer 2-12) Pakistan 106 all out, 19.4 overs (Javeria Khan 41; Jahanara Alam 4-22, Khadija Tul Kubra 3-11)    

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 20, 2020):-Alot has changed since I was playing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The biggest difference is people are now aware of what’s going on with their national team. When I broke the world record for the highest individual Test score in 2002, people didn’t know about it unless they were going out to buy the newspapers. Former India Test and ODI captain Mithali Raj says women’s cricket has come on leaps and bounds since she made her debut in 1999. Raj believes Thailand’s appearance in Australia could completely transform the landscape of women’s cricket worldwide She predicts India to put up a good fight against Australia in Friday night’s tournament opener at the Sydney Showground Stadium. But now, it’s seen by everyone all over television and on social media – a lot has changed not only in how people get their news but their desire for women’s cricket. We rarely got good grounds to play on back in our day. For example, at the 2000 World Cup we played at Lincoln University – quite different to the situation today where the top stars are getting to play at historic grounds like the MCG or the WACA. We used to travel to different places all over the world to play but barely got any time to acclimatise. There was no travel or daily allowance, nor a physio or strength and conditioning trainer to look out for the fitness. We travelled to matches with just our head coach and manager and just didn’t have any form of cushioning. Back in my day, we only had male players as inspiration because that’s all we used to see on the television. Today a young girl can have a role model in the form of a female cricketer and I think that’s the biggest chance I have seen. I am very excited for this ICC T20 Women’s World Cup. The coverage and the reach of women’s cricket has grown so much since when I played in the 50-over World Cup in 2017, which is what is making it more popular. And it’s not just the social media hype around it. For the first time, I don’t think there is just one contender, but four or five teams who could win it. The gap between the top and bottom teams is closing. You can’t go by the practice matches alone, but it does give you a rough indication of how the tournament could play out. Take Sri Lanka beating England for example — there is a possibility that could happen again. India also did well to chase 170 against the hosts Australia in the tri-series, where there were all sorts of different results. When you see these scores, and tight games, there is so much more quality now in the game, even just since the last edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Of course, they weren’t in a World Cup format but these glimpses show that the gap is closing. I think Australia go in favourites but we can’t push every other team aside. Teams like Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh can compete too. I am curious to see how Thailand fair against the big sides in their first ICC tournament. Women’s cricket has come of age getting a team like Thailand in to play the top nations. This tournament will reach out to non-cricketing nations because of Thailand. They do not have a huge cricket culture there, but having a team playing at an ICC tournament will help people in Thailand become interested in the World Cup and countries, which have never been into a team sport like cricket will be inspired by their journey. There isn’t long left until the tournament gets underway and India’s opener against Australia is definitely one of the matches I’m looking forward to the most. Australia go in as favourites, but India will be no pushover. They have some very talented players and I think it will be a very close, high-scoring game. In the T20 format, you can’t really predict a winner because it all depends on how the main players perform on that particular day. Both teams have exciting players, particular in the batting units, and it will be a case of whoever can score the runs that their country need on the day. I do think Australia have the advantage because of their T20 record and have a slightly better chance of winning the first game against India but no matter what, it’s going to be a very exciting way to open the tournament.

By Our Special Correspondent ISLAMABAD (February 20, 2020):-After the conclusion of the Marylebone Cricket Club’s week-long tour of Lahore, Kumar Sangakkara, the President of the prestigious MCC and captain of the club’s touring squad to Pakistan, has said that he would love if more international teams consider touring Pakistan so international cricket in the country can be resumed in full force. The MCC arrived in Lahore on 13 February to play a 50-over and three T20-over matches. Over the course of their stay, the visitors explored the city by playing golf, visiting the historic Lahore Fort and enjoying dinners across Lahore. Speaking to PCB Podcast, which is available here for free listening and downloading for editorial purposes only, the batting great said: “It's been great to be back in Pakistan. “It's been a long time since I came here and it has been even longer for the MCC. For us, it has been about coming here and playing cricket in support of Pakistan's journey of getting international cricket back. “It's important that, when you are in a country on a tour, you're not confined to a hotel, but you can go around and enjoy the city and the country you're in. “It is excellent for us to get to the [Lahore] Gymkhana golf course quite a few times. The players absolutely loved it. We were hosted with some amazing hospitality and warmth. “The message we will be taking back is about the warmth of the people, the welcome of the fabulous spectators who came to watch cricket, the passion the players and people have for it and our own experiences of playing here and traveling about in Lahore. “We would love for teams to consider coming here so that international cricket can finally come back to Pakistan in full force.” In the last three months, Sri Lanka have played two Tests – in Rawalpindi and Karachi – and Bangladesh have been here twice for a three-match T20I series and a Test in Rawalpindi. With the fifth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League, commencing today, being hosted in Pakistan for the first time since the advent of the league, the MCC’s visit rubberstamps the country’s ability to host international cricket. “It is important things are put into context, moves are made, minds meet and things are reconsidered because the message that we take back is that Pakistan is a great place to tour,” Sangakkara said. “I remember all those matches that I've played here but it's always special to come back and revisit it. We never expected such a big crowd for a first game against the Qalandars. When we got to the ground, we had almost 19,000 people, hungry to watch some cricket. “We were really, really impressed and we're very, very moved and we understand very, very easily how much passion there is and how the lack of international cricket is not a great thing for Pakistan, for the people, for the players and for the financial status of the PCB.” Over the course of their matches – a one-dayer against Pakistan Shaheens and three 20-over-a-side contests against HBL PSL franchises Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans and domestic T20 champions Northern – the MCC have played against some of the most exciting prospects in Pakistan’s domestic circuit. Sangakkara – who has 12,400 Test runs, the most for any Sri Lankan batsman – praised the young talent in country. “I think Pakistan cricket is in a very healthy state,” he said. “Pakistan has always produced exceptional cricketers, especially young cricketers with a lot of variety; really fast bowlers, really good batsmen, mystery spinners, wrist spinners, you name it. On this trip it was no different. “There were so many players from the Qalandars’ side who were exciting and orthodox. In the Northern, the domestic T20 champions, you had exciting players. In the [Pakistan] Shaheens, you had some really good batsmen.” There is a divide in the global cricket fraternity regarding the future of Test cricket and whether four-day Tests should replace five-day contests. When the question was put to Sangakkara, he said: “It doesn't matter where you emotionally stand. Whether I love Test cricket? Yes, of course, without a doubt. It is my favorite format. Should it be five days? Yes, of course, it should be five days. “But, the reality is slightly different here. And we need to ask how many Test matches really go into five days? How many people are now actually coming to the ground to watch five days of cricket? Or whether there is a realistic possibility into the future of them coming with the time constraints of a modern society? “In certain countries we have the average age of a cricket fan of 45-plus which is not a healthy sign. It is a complicated thing on how we attract a cash-rich time-poor younger demographic of people and younger players to the game and also keep the established fans interested. It is a complicated thing. “Day-night Tests have been mooted and various other innovations have been brought to keep the crowds in the stadiums for Test cricket. “And, it is not just about the big sides that play, it has also been about the slightly lesser sides that have had the Test status. What does cricket mean for them? Five days of cricket for certain sides and four days for others, that’s not a healthy way to go forward either. “It is debate that will go on for some time but the solutions have to be practical and equitable. It has to be fair to the spectators, to the sponsors, to the TV networks that bring in so much money into this sport and also to the players. So it is not an easy answer and a lot more thought has to go into it.”