[ad_1]
\n<\/p>\n
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has hailed the success of the recently concluded T20 international series against England, with stadium attendance of 97.35% across the seven games marking a record for a series in the country.<\/p>\n
England\u2019s 4-3 series win over four games in Karachi and three in Lahore from September 20 to October 2 represented the visiting team\u2019s first tour of Pakistan since 2005. Karachi National Stadium drew a total attendance of 126,550 over its four games, representing 95.3% capacity.<\/p>\n
The concluding three games at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore pulled in 63,045 fans, or 99.4% of a full house at the 21,174-capacity ground.<\/p>\n
Following the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore back in March 2009, Pakistan was forced into exile for a lengthy period of time, mainly playing its \u2018home\u2019 matches in the UAE.<\/p>\n
However, with the security situation improving in Pakistan over recent years, the PCB has been working on returning top-class cricket to the country, and Raja has hailed the response of the fans.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cPrior to the start of the (England) series, the general perception was it was too long a series. I was worried how we would keep the interest of the fans alive over seven T20Is at two venues in the space of 12 days.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, the quality of cricket played and the overwhelming response we have received from the Karachi and Lahore crowds, as well as the media, has made it seem like a short series. Packed houses, despite four of the seven matches taking place on work days, have clearly established the bond between the national side and the cricket fans.\u201d<\/p>\n
Raja added: \u201cEarlier this year, we had promised our fans that we\u2019d deliver high-intensity home international cricket. We have now successfully produced the first-ever uninterrupted HBL Pakistan Super League, Australia\u2019s men\u2019s first full tour in 24 years and the first-leg of England\u2019s visit for T20Is. The stage is now set for December\u2019s three Tests between Pakistan and England.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p><\/div>\n