LAHORE: The Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Tim George on Friday expressed his desire to see the return of international cricket to Pakistan but stopped short of giving any time frame for a visit by the Kangaroos here to play a full series.

Talking to journalists during a reception at a local hotel, George said: “I want to see the revival of international cricket in Pakistan but am not sure when the Australian team would come here to play.”

He said that he is not in a position to say when the team will visit Pakistan, but he personally believes that the Australian team must visit Pakistan.

“It’s the Australian government which would be taking the decision on the Australian team’s visit to Pakistan, but in my personal opinion, they should visit here.”

George also praised PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf for his efforts in the revival of cricket in Pakistan.

“I see very bright future of Pakistan cricket the way Zaka is endeavoring for the development of the game in the country,” he said.

“Under him the Pakistan cricket would surely flourish and if he maintained the same zest, its sure the international cricket would get revived in Pakistan.”

Chairman PCB, Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf later expressed his gratitude on the statements made by Australian High Commissioner H.E. Timothy George.

“On behalf of PCB and all the cricket fans in the country, I appreciate the statement made by His Excellency the High Commissioner of Australia,” Zaka said in a statement on Friday.

“It reflects the feelings of our cricket crazy nation who desperately want to see international teams playing here in our local stadiums. Coming from the representative of a great cricketing nation, these words will surely help in furthering Pakistan’s cause for the return of international cricket back in the country.”

Earlier, similar views were expressed by British High Commissioner in Pakistan, Adam Thomson. He said he wished to see England cricket team play Pakistan in Lahore or Karachi and hoped that the England team would visit Pakistan soon. “One day, not far away, it will happen,” he said.

The High Commissioner said that it was a wrong perception that Pakistan only faces political turmoil and terrorism, adding that the country possessed a wonderful cultural and social heritage.

The attacks on Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore during 2009 suspended all international cricket to Pakistan and has compelled the national team to play its home series on neutral venues such as the United Arab Emirates.

Pakistan were on the verge of hosting international cricket at the Gaddafi Stadium last month when Bangladesh agreed to play one Twenty20 and a One-dayer at the end of this month.

However, the tour was postponed after Dhaka High Court’s ruling against the Bangladesh team’s travel to Pakistan over a joint petition filed by some citizens and ex-players.

Pakistan then hosted a British Universities team comprising some MCC and British army players during last month.