Pakistani cricketers ecstatic following confirmation of Bangladesh tour

Islamabad: Pakistani players have expressed their joyousness after Bangladesh Cricket Board confirmed it’s short two-match tour to the troubled nation.

Pakistan wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal said his dream of playing in front of his own people has finally come true. “I was over the moon when I heard about Bangladesh confirming the tour. I regularly watched my brother (Kamran) performing and dreamt of playing for Pakistan on my home ground,” a leading daily quoted Akmal, as saying. “Now, I see a realistic chance for which I am thankful to the PCB chairman who made this happen with his efforts, I hope I get the opportunity of performing on my home ground in the upcoming series,” he added. Apart from Adnan, the other cricketers yet to play in Pakistan are batsmen Umar Akmal and Asad Shafiq, and fast bowlers Junaid Khan, Wahab Riaz and Aizaz Cheema. Right-arm fast-bowler Cheema expressed delight over the tour, but stressed on the importance of playing at home for young cricketers. “I’m very excited at the return of international cricket. I hope matches take place regularly in our country as the PCB is making sincere efforts to resume international cricket. It’s very important for the game and its fans as well as young cricketers,” said Cheema. Junaid Khan, who is in quest of to make a return to the playing-eleven after recovering from a knee injury, has doubled his efforts after the confirmation of the tour. “I’ve increased my efforts to regain full rhythm. I’m now training in full flow and drew a lot of motivation from the confirmation. It’s a dream for every cricketer to perform on HIS home ground,” said Khan. ANI