Come and play in Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed welcomes cricketing nations

Along with this setback, Pakistan has suffered from the vice-like grip of match-fixing on the nation's cricket as they have struggled to touch the highs of the dominant side they were in the 90s. The Champions Trophy win has come at a crucial time for the nation as they look at a prolonged change-of-guard phase with Misbah-ul-haq and Shahid Afridi no more in the scene. Despite entering the event as the No.8 nation and suffering a drubbing at the hands of rival India, Pakistan came back and reached the final and upset the favorites in a one-sided match. Captain Sarfraz Ahmed has dedicated the win to the people of Pakistan.

"It was a great achievement by the boys and full credit to them. Everyone will remember this achievement, not just for today or tomorrow but for a long, long time in Pakistan cricket. The boys were really motivated today. We came here as the No 8 ranked team and won the tournament. Hope all nations now come and play cricket in Pakistan," Sarfraz said at the post-match press conference."It is an unbelievable feeling which I can't describe at the moment though. I dedicate this win to the people of Pakistan."

Sarfraz, who led his team from the front and played the captain’s role very well throughout the tournament, requested the other cricket teams to play in Pakistan. "For years now, Pakistan is playing home matches in Dubai. We don't get the home advantage like other teams. Through this victory, I would like to appeal to the other teams that please come and play in Pakistan."