International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Geoff Allardice is keen to see more Test cricket being played in Pakistan following the successful completion of the three-match series against the Ben Stokes-led England.
In 2022, test cricket made a comeback to Pakistan and Allardice stated that the recent tour of England to Pakistan was a huge success and was optimistic of future tours to the Asian country being equally triumphant.
The ICC president was impressed by how frequently local fans interacted with those who had travelled from abroad for what was England's first Test series there since 2005.
The three matches, played in Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi, saw spectators give a huge thumbs up to Test cricket, even though the hosts lost the series 0-3.
Australia also toured Pakistan earlier this year, with packed stadiums for the three-Test series indicating the fans' craze for the longest format of the game in the country.
"The fans in Pakistan are passionate about the game and passionate about their team, but most importantly they are welcoming of visitors," Allardice told Pakistan Cricket.
"I have always had great experiences when I have travelled to Pakistan and I have been to see a few series over the last few years and the welcome is always very warm."
Pakistan will host reigning World Test champions New Zealand for a two-Test series beginning in Karachi on December 26.
Allardice was optimistic Test cricket will continue to flourish in Pakistan at a time when major Test-playing nations such as Australia and England are seeing a noticeable drop in stadium attendance.
"The fans in Pakistan are passionate about the game and passionate about their team, but most importantly they are welcoming of visitors. I have always had great experiences when I have travelled to Pakistan and I have been to see a few series over the last few years and the welcome is always very warm," said Allardice as quoted by ICC.
"Pakistan is one of the strongest cricketing countries in the ICC membership," Allardice said.
"To have a series like this (versus England) taking place and fans travelling to Pakistan and New Zealand starting in a few day's time for their Test series as well is a huge step forward to getting cricket back in Pakistan on a regular basis."
Pakistan's prospects of making it to the World Test Championship final received a huge blow after their series whitewash to England and now, Babar Azam's team must hope against hope to make it to the game at The Oval in June.
On Boxing Day, Pakistan will play New Zealand in the first Test match; the series will end on January 3 in Multan.
