Brian Lara
was made an offer to play for the International XI in the two
unofficial Twenty20 matches in Karachi but he refused because he was
concerned about the message his participation would send out, given that
the PCB had disassociated itself from the games.
"Yes, an offer was made to me," Lara told the Trinidad Guardian.
"Until such time as the governing body in Pakistan [PCB] is able to
convince the rest of the world that the best safety mechanisms have been
put in place, and the ICC agrees, I would have to say no."
The Twenty20 games between the International XI and a Pakistan All Stars
XI at the National Stadium will mark the return of international
players and cricket, albeit unofficial, to Pakistan for the first time
since the terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009.
The PCB issued No Objection Certificates to its contracted players to
play the games and allowed the use of the venue but maintained the games
were unofficial and unsanctioned. The Sindh sports minister, Mohammad
Ali Shah, with the support of the Karachi government, arranged all
logistic and security arrangements as well as the broadcasting deal. It
was reported that the total cost of staging the matches was Rs 3 crore
($32,000 approximately).
The three West Indians in the International XI are former players
Ricardo Powell, Jermaine Lawson and Adam Sanford, while Alvin
Kallicharran is the coach and manager. Both Kallicharran and Powell, who
was Lara's team-mate, said they were happy to be part of this venture.
"To be honest, yes I was a bit hesitant initially, having heard stories
of different kinds about playing in Pakistan," Powell told the News.
"But when I was told by the organisers that everything is in order I
took their word and I am here in front of you. I am feeling at home here
and there are no reservations in my mind. I have played against
Pakistan but this is my first visit to this country."
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