Misbah-ul-Haq: Pakistan 'not expecting anything in return' ahead of England tour

Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq. AFP

Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has said focusing on the upcoming tour of England "is the most important thing at the moment" when asked about the prospect of a return visit.

International cricket is next month set to resume for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak as England host the West Indies in a three-Test series staged behind closed doors.

Pakistan are also meant to play three Tests, as well as three Twenty20s, in a series scheduled to start on August 5, although the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have still to confirm the dates.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Ricky Skerritt told ESPN Cricinfo on Friday a $3 million (Dh11m) loan to CWI by the ECB in May was not contingent upon his side touring England but rather a "helping hand" from one of the sport's wealthiest major bodies to one of its poorest.

The Pakistan Cricket Board are also a financial minnow compared to the ECB.

But Pakistan chief selector and head coach Misbah, in a conference call on Saturday, rejected talk of a reciprocal arrangement.

"It is not in our minds that we are coming and keeping in view something that the ECB has to do for us in return," he said.

"It is important for us to restart international cricket somewhere, get the players back on the ground. That is the most important thing at the moment."

Major international teams stopped touring Pakistan after Sri Lanka's team bus was attacked by armed militants in Lahore in 2009 and, although some have returned recently, it is 15 years since England last visited the country.

_________________

West Indies touch down in England for Test series

_________________

"Obviously, in a bigger picture, we are not expecting anything in return but overall, we want not just the ECB but all cricketing nations to help each other so this game can grow," Misbah said. "It's important for cricket fans in Pakistan and also for Pakistan cricket that countries start touring Pakistan."

Misbah also wished Shahid Afridi well after his fellow former Pakistan skipper tweeted on Saturday he had tested positive for the virus.

"My prayers are with him, all well wishes with him that he gets out of this soon," said Misbah. "I think he was doing a lot of work in the area of Balochistan and the northern areas just to help the people. Throughout the Covid situation he was helping the poor, doing a very good job."