Pakistan’s image as an international sporting venue came under heavy scrutiny after an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009 where a group of terrorists targeted the bus which was carrying the visiting players to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. This incident came as a shock to the entire cricketing world as six Lankan players were injured while six Pakistani policemen and two citizens were killed in the attack. Since then Pakistan have not been able to host any home series, apart from Zimbabwe who played a limited over series in 2015, and used UAE for all their "home" matches.

"Credit must go to the players and the ICC for braving perceptions and possible personal pleadings by family and friends to look at the larger picture. The larger picture being - you need us, we need you. That is the only essential for cricket to survive."

 "With the passage of time, cricketing wilderness set in across the country. It affected the national psyche and perceptions about Pakistan as a safe country for cricket grew murky. But naturally, it gave way to an emotional and economic meltdown.

"The tour by the Zimbabwe team in 2015 and the successful final of the PSL this year at Lahore were fledgling signs that the cricketing world was opening up to Pakistan again. The PSL exposed the international fraternity to the frustration and helplessness of the Pakistan players, especially the young apprentices, who were being wronged by a situation which was neither of their choice nor their making," Raja added.

"Pakistan made a strong case for bringing world cricket back home by playing impressively out of home. Wins in the UAE, rising to No.1 in Tests, two successful editions of the PSL, and a frustrating-to-a-magical run at the ICC Champions Trophy," Raja concluded.

"Pakistan cricket too will soon be reaping the benefits of its hard slog over the past eight years."