Video: PCB's new interim chairman reveals high hopes for Pakistani cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s new interim chief says he has high hopes for cricket in his country.

As a first step,Najam Sethi, who will attend this week’s ICC annual general meeting in London to urge cricket’s governing body to reconsider the five-year ban handed to young fast bowler Mohammad Amir.

“God willing, we will go there so at least we have one young international cricketer Amir who is facing a ban. As you know he is a great star, but unfortunately he is under a ban. I am promising that I will try my best to convince the ICC and request them. Please, you have banned him for five years. He’s such a young cricketer. Two-and-half years have passed now, so this is time to show some concession towards him.”

Amir was one of the three Pakistani players suspended after being convicted of spot-fixing in a test match against England.

Sethi also wants to campaign for the return of international cricket in Pakistan.

“First a permanent chairman has to come, and he can sit down with the national security establishment and make a plan for the security cover they can provide. Once that is done we will see which team can refuse to play here. However, if the kind of incidents which happened in Gilgit, where 11 foreign tourists were killed, keep occuring, then tell me who will come to this country.”

Many critics believe the recent poor performances of the national team, including their elimination at the recent ICC Champions Trophy, stems from the lack of international visitors.