Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Syed Mohsin Naqvi said on Thursday that he was looking for new venues in the country for hosting international matches and that the revival of international cricket in Hyderabad and Faisalabad was his priority.Speaking to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who called on him in Islamabad, he said that it would be his endeavour to organise an international match at Hyderabad’s Niaz Cricket Stadium this year.

“PCB’s team will visit the stadium next week and review the existing facilities,” Naqvi said, and added, “Following the upgradation, an international match will be played at the venue after a gap of 17 years.” Speaking on the occasion, Murad said that on the instructions of President Asif Ali Zardari and with the cooperation of the Sindh government, Niaz Stadium would be upgraded to bring it at par with the international stadiums. “Together we will improve facilities at the stadium,” Sindh CM added.  

Both Naqvi and Murad discussed the improvement of cricket infrastructure in Sindh and the reconstruction of stadiums.  Both concurred that there was a need to upgrade Niaz Stadium so that it could host international matches.  It is worth reminding here that the last time an international match was played in Hyderabad was way back in 2008, and it was between Pakistan and Zimbabwe.   Sindh Minister Jam Khan Shoro and PCB’s Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmad were also present at the meeting.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)