Former England player Michael Atherton has expressed concern for Pakistan in the response to recent tour cancellations by England and New Zealand. Although since attacks against Sri Lanka’s bus in 2009, they have been unable to welcome teams in Pakistan from most many years. Cricket returned to the nation on a regular basis only about 2019, with the PSL playoffs also happening, and Sri Lanka became the first nation to tour to Pakistan for an entire tour.
Throughout this decade, Pakistan was unable to participate in a bilateral series versus India owing to growing political issues between the 2 countries. The last time the 2 teams clashed in a series was in 2012, where Pakistan visited India for three One-Day Internationals and 2-T20Is. Atherton has expressed sympathy with Pakistan for about the same issue because they have lost so much money over many years.
“Pakistan’s inability to play India in bilateral events has cost them hundreds of millions of dollars in the past decade, or how being in exile in the UAE for nearly a decade cost significant amounts of financial and psychological capital,” Atherton said.
Pakistan played many matches away from home since Covid struck: Atherton
Michael Atherton also mentioned that Pakistan has visited several nations since the COVID outbreak began, and hasn’t been fortunate enough to play host. The Men in Green performed twice in England, as well as in the West Indies, South Africa, and New Zealand. In exchange, they were ready for a massive 2021-22 home season, with New Zealand, England, the West Indies, and Australia touring.
Unfortunately, the Kiwis’ withdrawal at the last moment, along with England’s unwillingness, has made matters even worse for Pakistan. Australia is already rethinking its choice, and the West Indies is also monitoring the issue.
“When England have pulled out of tours to South Africa, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and when Australia have played no Test matches away from home since the pandemic began, Pakistan have travelled all over the world (and, remember, there are no touring fees paid to the visitors these days). Pakistan played the most number of matches away from home since Covid struck, by some distance,” Atherton further concluded.
