At a time when Pakistan is reeling from the devastating impact of the recent monsoon floods, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Giles Clarke said "an ICC World XI in due course will go and play against Pakistan and there will be a marvellous atmosphere. It will be an historic moment when international cricket resumes in Pakistan and the first ICC team walks out."
Pakistan has not hosted an international match since armed gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in March last year. In financial terms, this has been a massive blow - with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) income sliding from £27 million to £10 million.
The ECB has done what it can to help by staging Pakistan games on its own turf. "The ECB intends to assist in staging more Pakistan games here in 2011 and 2012," added Clarke. "The atmosphere, the passionate support and, of course, the tremendous cricket played by the Pakistan team made it a compelling experience (in 2010). The PCB's economic needs make it imperative."
