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Pakistan welcome to play more matches in England: ECB

July 12, 2010 17:06 IST

Pakistan are welcome to continue playing matches in England while security problems persist at home, England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke said.

English venues have been offered to Pakistan this season and last week they played two Twenty20 internationals against Australia at Edgbaston, winning both. A two-match Test series gets underway at Lord's on Tuesday with the second Test at Headingley.

"The ICC Pakistan task-force understands the importance to world cricket of ensuring that Pakistan continues to play at the highest level," Clarke told the BBC.

"In order to ensure this is possible and to also assist with the development of the next generation of Pakistan cricketers it's essential we provide the PCB with the necessary levels of revenue to invest in grassroots development.

"If that means hosting more matches at grounds across England and Wales then I know the ECB stands ready to support the PCB in its hour of need."

The matches at Edgbaston were well-supported with 18,000 Anglo-Pakistani fans attending. Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi said it had felt like playing a home match.

Source: REUTERS
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