ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and Chief Executive Geoff Allardice are set to embark on a significant two-day visit to Lahore, Pakistan. The visit, scheduled to begin on Tuesday morning, aims to strengthen the ties between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). During their stay, Barclay and Allardice will engage in key meetings with influential figures within the PCB.
The primary meeting will be held with Mr. Najam Sethi, Chair of the PCB Management Committee, who is also an ICC Director. Additionally, discussions will be held with PCB Chief Operating Officer Barrister Salman Naseer and other prominent board officials. This visit marks a vital opportunity for constructive dialogue and collaboration between the ICC and the PCB.
While Geoff Allardice has previously visited Pakistan on numerous occasions in his capacity as ICC General Manager – Cricket and later as ICC Chief Executive, this visit holds special significance as it will be Greg Barclay’s inaugural trip to Pakistan as ICC Chairman. Barclay’s presence demonstrates the commitment of the ICC’s highest-ranking official to engage with cricketing nations worldwide.
This visit carries historical importance as Greg Barclay will become the first ICC Chairman to tour Pakistan since the visit of ICC President Ray Mali back in 2008. Furthermore, it marks the first time in nearly two decades, since October 2004, that both the ICC Chairman and Chief Executive will visit the Pakistan cricket headquarters together.
The visit not only emphasizes the ICC’s interest in the development and growth of cricket in Pakistan but also highlights the positive strides made by the PCB in hosting international cricket events. Pakistan has worked diligently to restore confidence in its cricketing infrastructure and security arrangements, paving the way for the resumption of international cricket on its soil.
The presence of ICC’s top officials in Lahore signifies the importance of Pakistan as a valued member of the global cricketing fraternity. The visit holds the potential to strengthen existing partnerships, explore new avenues of collaboration, and facilitate the growth of cricket within the country.
As Greg Barclay and Geoff Allardice embark on their visit, the cricketing community eagerly anticipates the outcomes of their meetings and the subsequent positive impact it will have on Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.
Leave a Reply