Flower bats for Pakistan Andy Flower

Andy Flower LAHORE. — In the 1990s, Andy Flower had his share of riveting battles against Pakistan’s pace attack. On occasions, he struggled to navigate Waqar Younis, especially during Zimbabwe’s first two tours of Pakistan — 1993 and 1996. However, he guided the Zimbabwe team, limited in ability, through difficult times in international cricket. And played a key role in the African nation’s first ever Test win that came against the Wasim Akram-spearheaded Pakistan side in 1995 by composing a hundred.

Fast forward to 2017, the former England coach was thrust into a different role.

This role didn’t demand Flower to buoy the national team’s sinking ship.

Instead, the 49-year-old was the coach of a World XI team that was embarking on a tour to Pakistan.

Ever since 12 gunmen launched a deadly attack on the touring Sri Lankan team near the Gaddafi stadium, Lahore, resulting in injuries to players, Pakistan has also been (largely)deprived of playing international cricket in their homeland due to security reasons.

So ICC’s Pakistan Task Team had the enormous task of bringing cricket back to the Asian country. After the conclusion of the T20I rubber, Flower noted that the series against Pakistan was more than just another ‘tour’.

“We said that this was more than just the cricket tour, the public showed their appreciation and the players interacted with the crowds at the hotel and at the ground, and the security agency proved that they can provide a safe and secure environment,’’ Flower said.

“I really hope this tour will inspire the young people in Pakistan; they’ve seen some of the best players across the world live in action and this might be the beginning of the cricketing journey of the next Hashim Amla or Faf du Plessis.

“One thing which I think we should all remember is that these are baby steps and I’m sure that Pakistan board will take one safe and steady step at a time.

“We go home with memories that I hope the boys will cherish for the rest of their lives,” he said. — cricbuzz.

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey