Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja has congratulated both Australia and Pakistan cricket teams for producing “enthralling, exciting and competitive” cricket throughout the 38-day historic tour.

“The three-Test series was combative and engrossing going into the last hour of the 15th day to find a winner, while white-ball cricket confirmed the high billing and calibre of both the sides. The camaraderie and respect demonstrated by the two sides during high-pressure cricket were exemplary and a massive advertisement for our sport,” Ramiz was quoted as saying in a statement on Wednesday.

The tour began on February 28 when the Aussies arrived for the first Pakistan tour in 24 years

Pakistan lost the test series 1-0 against Australia after drawing the first two tests, with memorable performances from Usman Khawaja, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Nathan Lyon. But, the home side made a comeback in the ODI series and clinched it by a 2-1 score. The sole T20I match was won by the Aussies that also saw skipper Aaron Finch getting his form back

The PCB chairman added that players from either side, through their on and off the field behaviour, enhanced the values and spirit of cricket, “which is exactly what this great sport is all about.”

After experiencing firsthand what the country has to offer, Ramiz said: “I am confident the Australia players and officials will take home fond memories and become bigger advocates and goodwill ambassadors for Pakistan than before.”

He further said that world cricket was “proud and thankful” to both sides for the way they played the series and won the “hearts and minds” of the cricket fans within and outside Pakistan. “There is no doubt Pakistan and world cricket is now better placed than it was before this historic series.”

The PCB on its Twitter account had shared several pictures of fans standing with charts, reading eye-catching messages. Moreover, cricket fans and experts praised both teams for their performance. The Karachi test, which the home side drew after crucial knocks from Rizwan, Babar, and Abdullah Shafique, and the second ODI where Pakistan made a record chases were memorable for the hosts side.

Furthermore, Ramiz thanked Cricket Australia, who made this series possible by sending their best available players, as well as the PCB staff. He also thanked the cricket fans, who made this series a big success, by thronging the three venues to support both sides.

“I would also like to thank all the security agencies, local and federal governments, our valued commercial partners and the broadcasters, who ensured things worked smoothly and excellent pictures went out for the global viewers and fans,” it read.