KARACHI (AFP) - Pakistan and Sri Lanka playing in the World Twenty20 final on Sunday will send a strong message to the world that cricket cannot be brought down by terrorism, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja said.
A militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore on March 3 ended Pakistan's chances of hosting any international matches in the near future following earlier concerns about security.
"It definitely is a message to the world that unfortunate circumstances can't pull them down, cricket will survive and has survived terrorism," Raja told AFP.
"It is great news for the people of both the countries who have been hit by terrorism and that passion will not dwindle in adversity," said Raja.
"I would also want both the captains Younus (Khan) and (Kumar) Sangakkara to make strong comments before and after the match."There should also be a message to the cricket world that don't take Pakistan for granted and help live cricket in this country. Our cricket has suffered because of unfortunate circumstances."
Pakistan cricket has been hit hard by events since the 9-11 attacks on the United States in 2001 and ensuing war in neighbouring Afghanistan.
Australia have twice refused to tour Pakistan since then and instead played Pakistan on neutral venues in 2002 and 2009.
A militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore on March 3 ended Pakistan's chances of hosting any international matches in the near future following earlier concerns about security.
"It definitely is a message to the world that unfortunate circumstances can't pull them down, cricket will survive and has survived terrorism," Raja told AFP.
"It is great news for the people of both the countries who have been hit by terrorism and that passion will not dwindle in adversity," said Raja.
"I would also want both the captains Younus (Khan) and (Kumar) Sangakkara to make strong comments before and after the match."There should also be a message to the cricket world that don't take Pakistan for granted and help live cricket in this country. Our cricket has suffered because of unfortunate circumstances."
Pakistan cricket has been hit hard by events since the 9-11 attacks on the United States in 2001 and ensuing war in neighbouring Afghanistan.
Australia have twice refused to tour Pakistan since then and instead played Pakistan on neutral venues in 2002 and 2009.
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