Karachi, Jan. 8 (ANI): British boxing champion Amir Khan has vowed to bring international sports back to Pakistan, saying that he would try to convince English cricketers to tour the terror-hit nation.
"I am pleased to be back in the country of my forefathers and when people see me touring Pakistan it will put in their minds that it's a safe place to play," the Daily Times Khan, as saying.
Last year's World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight champion is in Karachi as a guest for the 20-nation Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Championship.
The tournament is the first major international sporting event in Pakistan since last year's terror attack on the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.
Amir, 23, said he would try to convince England cricketers to tour Pakistan, starting with his cousin, England player Sajid Mahmood.
"I know a lot of English players like Andrew Flintoff and (current captain) Andrew Strauss, who I can tell that playing in Pakistan is safe," he said.
"The world must support Pakistan as it's a great sporting nation and it should not be left alone because if the world leaves them alone then the talent in Pakistan could not be harnessed," he added.
England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa refused to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy last year citing security fears, forcing the International Cricket Council to move it to South Africa.
"What happened in the past was deplorable, but at times the situation is blown out of proportion, which is disappointing," Khan said. (ANI)
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