Pakistan needs to convince international teams that it is safe to resume tours to the country, an official of the sport's global governing body told reporters yesterday.

Dave Richardson, the International Cricket Council's (ICC) general manager, said he hopes international cricket will soon return to Pakistan but acknowledged teams will only agree to tour if they are given reassurances over security.

"We are extremely hopeful that international cricket will return to Pakistan as soon as possible," said ichardson.
"It's a security related issue where Pakistan has to convince teams in particular and the international community in general," he said.

Pakistan has become a no-go zone for international teams. Richardson said a decision on any possible tour to Pakistan would be made by the country's cricket board.