Malaysia would 'love' to host Pakistan cricket

Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) President Mahinda Vallipuram believes his country can become Pakistan’s new cricket home.

The Men in Green are playing most of their home cricket in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in March 2009.

The Middle Eastern country also hosted the first three editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

However, recently, the tensions between both boards are on the rise with potential scheduling conflicts, more so after the emergence of T20 leagues in the UAE, which has forced the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to look for alternative options in hosting international matches.

Earlier this year, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi also confirmed that the board is looking at Malaysia as an alternative venue to UAE.

The Men in Green are due to host Australia and New Zealand later this year.

Vallipuram, while talking to CricBuzz, confirmed that the discussions are under way after a PCB delegation visited the country.

"We certainly would like to host events here," said Vallipuram. "We are open to hosting as we have venues and other required infrastructure. It (the PCB's visit) was an opportunity to discuss how Malaysia can be a venue for Pakistan. It would be great to host Australia and New Zealand, two great cricketing countries. We would love to host Pakistan in some way, perhaps even PSL matches or women's cricket.”

Talking about making Malaysia a possible Test venue, Vallipuram believes the facilities are right up there to host a five-day match under floodlights. 

"We have shown we can host international matches and I think we have a very stable environment," said Vallipuram. "We have lights at Kinrara Oval, which could host a day-night Test. Malaysia is an ideal destination as we have good hotels, transport and logistics. Malaysia is especially convenient for time zones. We are only a few hours ahead of the sub-continent, Australia is only two-three hours ahead and the UK is only six-seven hours difference."

Vallipuram also suggests that having more top-quality cricket in the country will help in developing the game in the region.

"Having Pakistan playing in Malaysia and major matches staged here would be a tremendous boost to cricket in South-East Asia," he said. "The game is growing steadily here but the exposure of major international cricket would fuel the sport even further."