KARACHI, Pakistan (CMC) — West Indies fast-bowling legend Michael Holding has endorsed the full return of international cricket to Pakistan, following a week-long visit here.

The 65-year-old Holding, a member of the Caribbean side’s fearsome pace battery of the 1970s and 80s, visited the once-volatile Asian nation as a special guest of philanthropist and entrepreneur, Dr Kashif Ansari, for Pakistan’s three-match one-day series against Sri Lanka.

“Nothing has changed in Pakistan. The love for cricket attracts me to visit this country,” said Holding, now a renowned television commentator, while reflecting on the first time he visited the country in 1981.

“I would like to say that the security here is fantastic. I hope that more international teams will consider playing cricket in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

“If I had any apprehension or fear of security, I wouldn’t have come to Pakistan. I have no problem here. It is good and encouraging news that the Sri Lankans are here to play international matches.”

He added: “Pakistan should not be isolated from the game just because something had happened 10 years ago. It is useful to have security precautions, which obviously are every country’s priority, and Pakistan is not any different.”

Pakistan was hit by a lengthy suspension from hosting international cricket after a terrorist attack during Sri Lanka’s 2009 tour resulted in injury to several players and the death of members of the security forces.

However, cricket authorities have lobbied fervently for the return of international cricket and last year April, a weakened West Indies side toured for three Twenty20 Internationals.

Earlier this year, West Indies Women also contested three T20 Internationals in Karachi.

Holding, who was accompanied by West Indian commentator Barry Wilkinson — also a guest of Dr Ansari — witnessed the historic return of One-Day International (ODI) cricket to the National Stadium here.

Holding and Wilkinson also paid a courtesy call to Dr Ansari’s privately run hospital, the Omair Sana Foundation, a home for kids with the blood disorder thalassemia.

Holding also placed a vote of confidence in Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan, the country’s former all-rounder and Test captain whom he faced during his playing days.

“Khan was one of the prolific cricketers the world of cricket has witnessed. If he leads the country as same as he did the cricket team, Pakistan will be fine,” he concluded.

Wilkinson, who has covered the last three T20 and 50-over World Cups, was impressed with the level of security, hospitality and also Pakistan’s crowd which came out in their numbers to witness the matches in Karachi.

“There is an obvious energy to this crowd watching their team at home, a vibe that you don’t get when they are playing in Dubai,” the Barbadian said.

“So to deny them of seeing their team on home turf is not fair, especially after the security requirements have passed with glowing colours.”