Convinced with security cover provided for World XI tour: Dave Cameron

Dave Cameron, the Cricket West Indies president, admitted that it would be a "challenge" to persuade the Caribbean players to partake in a proposed Twenty20 International series in November this year in Pakistan. Pakistan, however, are hopeful that the recently-concluded T20I series against World XI in Lahore will result in resumption of international cricket on their home soil.

"I have enjoyed my two days in Pakistan," Cameron, who was on a visit to watch the World XI series against Pakistan, said on Friday (September 15). "As Najam said, we've been talking about this for some time and have our own challenges back in the West Indies. We're only 5 million people, and as you heard there was recently a hurricane passing through our islands as well. But my challenge is to convince the players that it's safe enough. It's our duty to help as well. I felt that if I came over here to show that it's safe enough that would go some way in convincing the players. InshAllah [God-willing] in November, we'll be here."

Earlier this year, the PCB had requested CWI whether they could embark on a tour to Pakistan consisting two-match T20I series. However, the proposed tour was cancelled after Eastern Star Internationals - security consultants of the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations - warned that security threat remained "at an extremely elevated state".

It was only when Pakistan successfully staged thePSL final in Lahore that things started to move forward for the Asian nation. For the just-concluded T20I series between Pakistan and World XI - ESI was given the charge to supervise the security cover.

In fact, Sam Dickason, the son of Reg Dickason, and the general manager of the security firm, visited Pakistan twice to oversee the security arrangements. The ICC themselves paid off the costs related to PCB's security advisors.

Cameron, on his part, noted that the board has to consult the Windies Players Association in order to give the green signal for the tour to go ahead. "We've had the security team here for the final of the PSL and they've seen these matches as well," he said. "Here, Pakistan's board makes decisions [regarding where to tour]. My board's a little bit different, with the WIPA [West Indies Players Association] also having a big say.

"We have to respect their decision. We want to ensure that when the players come over, everyone actually wants to come and enjoy the experience, and we don't want to be seen to be forcing anyone. We've had Darren Sammy here and Samuel Badree and they've loved it. Sammy's on his second trip and I think that will also convince the players that it is safe to come."

Cameron, though, said that he was satisfied with the security cover provided for the World XI series. "From what I believe I'm very convinced. The hospitality has been great, and the security has been first-class, and from where I stand right now, everything looks good."