Ben Dunk wants Australia to tour Pakistan: The wicket-keeper batsman has given a green signal to the Australian team for touring Pakistan.
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Lahore Qalandars wicket-keeper batsman Ben Dunk appears to be having a ball during his stay in Pakistan for the ongoing sixth season of the Pakistan Super League. Currently into his third PSL season, Dunk has represented Karachi Kings and Qalandars in Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.
“This is my fourth time in Pakistan. The hospitality is great and the food is great. I am really fortunate that I am being embraced by the local people. I am getting incredible support and welcomed by all. I always look forward to coming back to Pakistan,” Dunk was quoted as saying on the official website of PSL.
In 21 PSL matches, Dunk has scored 447 runs at an average and strike rate of 29.8 and 154.13 respectively. While Dunk has returned with scores of 22 and 1 in a couple of innings this season so far, him scoring 300 runs at 37.50 and 167.59 for Qalandars last season had played a crucial role in powering them to the finals.
Ben Dunk wants Australia to tour Pakistan
Dunk, who had parted ways with Big Bash League franchise Melbourne Stars midway through BBL 10 earlier this year, has since also represented Qalandars in the recently concluded Abu Dhabi T10 League.
Being asked about whether Australia should tour Pakistan, Dunk responded in the affirmative busting all security-related myths by stating that he “never felt unsafe” during his multiple visits. “I think 100 per cent. In my four times to Pakistan, I have never felt unsafe.
“The security around the hotel, to and fro the games is simply amazing. I think it would be awesome for the people of Pakistan to have the Australian team touring here,” Dunk said.
In the last half-a-decade or so, Zimbabwe (twice), World-XI, Sri Lanka (twice), West Indies and Bangladesh have played different formats in Pakistan.
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Most recently, South Africa had toured Pakistan for two Tests and three T20Is. With England and New Zealand slated to play cricket in Pakistan in the near future, Australia are also likely to proceed with their all-format tour of Pakistan next year.
“We saw South Africa come just before the HBL PSL 6. Hopefully, by that stage [Australia’s tour of Pakistan], the Covid-19 situation around the world and here in Pakistan would allow a significant crowd. It would be an amazing experience for the Australian boys to play in front of the Pakistani home crowd.
“I have been really fortunate to have played in front of some amazing crowds and my memories will last for a long time. The same will be for the Australian players to play Test cricket here,” Dunk mentioned.
The last time Australia toured Pakistan was way back in 1998 when they had played three Tests and as many ODIs under Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh respectively.
