It is been a long time since players have been open to playing in Pakistan. After the incidents in 2009 that involved the Sri Lankan cricket team being attacked by terrorists, Pakistan has become the de facto no-go zone in cricket.

That, however, is changing now with the advent of the Pakistan Super League. More and more players are agreeing to visit Pakistan for playing cricket and former Pakistan pacer has lauded the influence that the league is exuding.

He believes that the rising number of players willing to take part in the PSL matches that take place in Pakistan is a good step forward for the nation.

“It’s taken baby steps to bring cricket back to Pakistan and it’s not been easy although we have done all the right kind of things to bring it home,” Akhtar told Sport360.

 “What we’ve been through over the last 70 years, becoming an independent country and especially over the last decade, we have to deal with terrorism and been the victim of terrorism.

“Expecting Pakistan cricket to do miracles isn’t going to happen because other teams have not visited Pakistan for a decade.”

“And, yet, surviving and being resilient about it, promoting and making a brand – the Pakistan Super League – out of nowhere, I think is a huge, commendable thing.”