ISLAMABAD - Pakistani cricket stars welcomed the victory of Nawaz Sharif in the general elections and hoped he, being a sportsman himself, will play an active role in bringing international sports back to Pakistan in a short span of time.
Sharing his views, Pakistan's top spinner Saeed Ajmal said: “I congratulate Nawaz Sharif on such a landslide victory and also to legend Imran Khan as both are true sportsmen and they can play a major role in taking back Pakistan to same sporting heights which it was once.”
“I am hopeful Nawaz will use his good offices in convincing international teams to tour Pakistan and end sporting isolation of this sports loving nation,” he added.
Pacer Junaid Khan was very optimistic that the victory of two great leaders Nawaz and Imran Khan is a very good omen for the entire nation. “Nawaz has greater respect across the worldwide so by convincing other nations to visit Pakistan and help us in resuming international sports in the country,” he said.
Lanky fast bowler M Irfan also greeted Nawaz for his victory and said: “I have already sent him a text message of congratulation on his tremendous triumph in the elections. He is a cricketer himself and love cricket a lot so I am sure he will work for the betterment of players in general and cricket in particular.”  Former Test player Sarafraz Nawaz said: “Nawaz takes keen interest in cricket which is a good omen and he should take notice of the PCB fake elections and should appoint the right person for this high-profile office.” Sarfaraz said the international community was sending congratulating messages to him so he should play his role in by urging India to resume bilateral cricketing ties with Pakistan. “Indian cricket team tour to Pakistan will pave the way to revive international cricket here and help us come out of international sporting isolation.”