Chief Executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Tim Lamb, has made a speech in Lahore emphasising the cordial relations that exsit between the England and Pakistan cricket boards. He also paid tribute to the warm welcome the team has received, and the excellent facilities they have enjoyed.

The text of the speech in full:

Good evening. Assalam-o-Laykim

May I say what a great pleasure it is to be back in Pakistan. This is my sixth visit to this proud and exhilarating country and I have received the warmest of welcomes.

Tonight’s celebration in these superb surroundings reminds us of the rich colour and culture of this historic city. On behalf of all the members of the England Team and management, and (if I may) on behalf of all the guests, I congratulate all those involved in making this evening’s event such a special occasion.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is too long since the England Test side last toured Pakistan. With the new regularised ICC tours programme, this will not happen again. Under the new schedule, it has been agreed that England will next visit Pakistan in 2005 and again in 2009.

It has been said that England have not played a Test Match here for 13 years due to ongoing tensions between our two Boards. This is not true. Even now, certain elements in the media are desperate to be able to report a rift between the ECB and the PCB and animosity between the two sets of players - it’s so sad. Well I can tell them that the relationship between the two Boards is as cordial and respectful as it ever has been.

Both I, and the other representatives here from English and Welsh cricket, have been received with the utmost courtesy and kindness, and we look forward to having an early opportunity of returning that hospitality when the Pakistan team tour England in the first half of next summer.

The England team too has been overwhelmed by the generosity they have received ever since they arrived in your country. On their behalf I thank the nation of Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board and all the various people who have hosted the team during their stay. Wherever they have gone they have received all possible kindness and co-operation, as well as a friendly and enthusiastic welcome.

There is no doubt that the image of cricket has been badly tarnished in recent times by the various allegations of corruption and malpractice. There has been such an ongoing welter of accusations, rumours and innuendo that none of us knows exactly where the truth lies. But as the saying goes, the game is bigger than the player; the game is bigger than all of us. Cricket must prove to the world that it is serious about getting its house in order. All countries must support the ICC in its steadfast effort to fight corruption and protect the interests of the game that we all love. We must continue to be vigilant and not be afraid to deal harshly with proven wrongdoers. If we all work together, inshallah we will be able to rebuild cricket’s damaged reputation and restore public confidence in our sport.

Once again thank you for a most enjoyable and memorable evening. Shukriya.

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