Younus urges swift action

Younus Khan's triple century in Karachi was overshadowed by the sad events in Lahore

Pakistan captain Younus Khan has warned that cricket in the country will be ruined if long-term plans are not immediately put in place to save the game.

Pakistan's chances of hosting international matches at home were dealt a serious blow when armed gunmen attacked the convoy of the Sri Lankan cricket team while it was on its way to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Seven Pakistanis were killed when gunmen ambushed the team bus in Lahore earlier this month. Six Sri Lankan players were injured, along with assistant coach Paul Farbrace.

Pakistan had already gone without playing a Test match the whole of last year with Australia, India and New Zealand pulling out of scheduled tours due to safety concerns.

The Champions Trophy, which was scheduled to be held in Pakistan in September last year, was also postponed until this year and has been moved to South Africa.

Younus urged the Pakistan Cricket Board and the government to take urgent measures to boost the game.

"The attack on the Sri Lankan team has left even our players depressed and upset," Younus said. "It is a gloomy situation for us with so many cancellations and postponements since last year.

"You will see people losing interest in cricket and youngsters no longer having cricket idols to look up to.

"We need to concentrate on improving our domestic cricket standards and involve overseas players so that youngsters continue to follow the sport.

"It is obvious we are facing problems everyday and the government, board and former players need to put their heads together and come up with long-term plans to counter the situation.”

Younus said Pakistan should take a similar approach to the one South Africa took when it was isolated from international cricket during apartheid. A number of overseas players took part in South African domestic cricket while their national team was sidelined.

"During their isolation, South Africa maintained high standards of cricket by having overseas players compete in domestic tournaments," he said.

The terrorist attack in Lahore could further ostracise Pakistan, believes the national captain

"That is why they made a big impact on their return to international cricket and in the 1992 World Cup.”

Younus added that he was disappointed the limited-overs series against Bangladesh was cancelled.

Pakistan were scheduled to play two Twenty20 internationals and five one-dayers in Bangladesh in a series beginning on March 10, but the tour was cancelled after the Bangladesh government refused to sanction permission due to security concerns.

"I was disappointed with the Bangladesh tour not taking place, but I think our cricket suffered most when Australia and India refused to tour Pakistan last year," Younus said.

Meanwhile, chief selector Abdul Qadir believed Pakistan could play the Tigers at a neutral venue.

"Instead of scrambling to find new dates for the series, we could play Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi just before the series against Australia," he said.

"I believe cricket should go ahead.”

Pakistan are scheduled to play a one-day series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates from April 22.