ECB offers Pakistan further support 13/07/2010 |
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Giles Clarke says the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is ready to stand by Pakistan "in its hour of need" by continuing to act as a neutral venue if needed.
The ECB chairman believes it is important that Pakistan, which cannot currently stage international cricket in its own country due to security concerns, continues to play competitive matches elsewhere.
The current Pakistan-Australia series is taking place in England and Clarke is eager to continue accommodating the Pakistan Cricket Board if required.
Speaking on BBC's Test Match Special, Clarke said: "The sad events in Pakistan have made it impossible for sides to currently get security clearance to tour Pakistan.
"The ICC [International Cricket Council] Pakistan taskforce understands the importance to world cricket of ensuring that Pakistan continues to play at the highest level. In order to ensure this is possible and to also assist with the development of the next generation of Pakistani cricketers, it's essential we provide the PCB with the necessary levels of revenue to invest in grassroots development. If that means hosting more matches at grounds across England and Wales then I know the ECB stands ready to support the PCB in its hour of need."
Pakistan has previously contested neutral matches in Dubai but Clarke feels the level of support in England makes it a perfect fit.
"It was clear to my colleagues and I at the ECB that we had to do something to help and it was tremendous to see over 18,000 Anglo-Pakistani fans supporting Pakistan over the course of two [Twenty20] matches," he added.
"They created a fantastic atmosphere in the ground which undoubtedly had a huge impact on the players and helped them to a 2-0 series win."
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