'International cricket not returning to Pak anytime soon'

Dave Richardson, ICC general manager for cricket operations, feels that the Pakistan Cricket Board's initiative to host the final of the country's premier first class competition under lights will have a positive impact on the sport.

Richardson said that the ICC, too, was working on several recommendations to make five-day cricket including Test matches more interesting.

"The PCB has taken a bold decision to hold the five-day final under lights and it will help popularise the sport as well," Richardson said.

He said the ICC was considering holding Test matches under lights in a bid to make it more interesting and attractive for the spectators.

Richardson, however, made it clear that it was not possible for an immediate return of international cricket to Pakistan.

"I think once there is an improvement in the security conditions and arrangements then teams can be convinced to start looking at playing in Pakistan again," he said.

Richardson is in Karachi on the invitation of the PCB to watch the final of the Quaid Azam trophy being held for the first time under lights and with an orange colored ball.

He inspected the security arrangements in the stadium along with former captain Javed Miandad, and both agreed that there was a need for countries to experiment.