Pakistan counting on ICC task force for revival

The PCB hopes the task force set up by the ICC would help revive its international cricketing reputation, which has been battered by security fears. Earlier this year, the ICC established the task force to ensure that Pakistan would host international cricket in the future, security conditions permitting. The PCB was initially reluctant to accept the help of the task force when the idea was floated in February, but was now pinning its hopes of recovery on the efforts of the game's governing body.

"Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, will be apprising the task force about the issues being faced in our cricket and hopes that through the efforts of the task force, the best possible solutions can be worked out for Pakistan," a release from the board said. "The efforts of David Morgan [the ICC president], Giles Clarke [the England and Wales Cricket Board chairman] and the other members are greatly appreciated by the PCB at a time when Pakistan cricket is facing its toughest challenges."

The task force, which will convene in Dubai on Friday and Saturday, is headed by Clarke and includes ICC general manager cricket Dave Richardson, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, former England captain Mike Brearley, and former Sri Lankan captain Ranjan Madugalle among its other members.

Several countries have refused to tour Pakistan due to security fears. Cricket in the country was dealt a severe blow when the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked in Lahore in March this year, killing eight people and injuring five visiting players. The 2009 Champions Trophy was moved out of Pakistan to South Africa, while the country lost its share of 2011 World Cup matches later.