Head coach Mickey Arthur hopes proposed tour of the World XI to Pakistan would be a step closer to reviving international cricket in the country.

The cricket loving nation haven’t international cricket – barring a limited over series against Zimbabwe in 2015 – since terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.

And Monday’s blast in Lahore which killed 26 people has again cast doubts over the World XI tour planned for mid September this year.

However, Arthur said he regretted Pakistan’s isolation.

“The isolation is being very hard on Pakistan cricket,” ARY quoted Arthur.

“PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) is doing an unbelievable job in trying to resurrect international cricket. I just hope the World XI tour goes ahead and that will almost be the curtain raiser to, hopefully, get some international cricket back,” he added.