KARACHI: The Australian cricketers – Ben Dunk and James Faulkner who are representing Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators respectively in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7 think that Australia will enjoy playing in Pakistan.
With Australia’s historic tour to Pakistan is just around the corner, the two compatriots have thrown their weight for the tour scheduled from March 4 to April 5, while speaking to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) digital.
The left-handed explosive batter – Dunk, who is representing the Qalandars in this year’s PSL thinks that it is important that the cricket is coming back to Pakistan, while also hoping that the fans will enjoy good performances regardless of where they’re coming from.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to speak to a few of the guys who are planning on coming over here. It’s certainly different to what we are used to at home. But, it’s important that cricket does come back to Pakistan and you get to play at home as you play away,” he said.
“So, for the boys that are coming out, I think they can expect to a population that loves cricket and good performances, whether they’re from the home team or the away team. It would just be an amazing thing for world cricket,” he added.
Having represented Australia in 94 matches across all the formats, Faulkner also backed Dunk and said that the 31-years-old stated, ‘I’m excited to watch Australia play in Pakistan’, also claimed that the Test matches are going to be challenging because of the different conditions and pitches here in the country.
“There are going to be challenging wickets in the Test matches to feature two very good teams. I am sure the Australian players are going to be tested and will enjoy playing against some quality players,” he said.
Faulkner also revealed that the Aussies last visited Pakistan the same year when he came over for an under-19 trip and was only 17 back then.
“It has been a long time since Australia came to Pakistan. In fact, it was probably the same year I came over for an under-19 trip when I was 17. I think it is important for cricket to be back in Pakistan, hence, why I’m here as well. I have travelled all around the world, so there is no exception for me not to come here,” he said.
Furthermore, Faulkner also added that it is great for the cricket in general and also claimed that he gets to know the culture here a bit more.
“I think it’s great for cricket in general. Having played here in Pakistan for almost four years, I’ve got to experience a bit of the culture,” he said.
Dunk, on the other hand, expressed hope that the COVID-19 situation in the country allows as many fans to get into the grounds as possible.
“I’m hoping the COVID situation allows as many fans to get into the grounds as possible because I think it would be a really amazing atmosphere for a lot of the Australian players to experience,” he said.
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