Former Zimbabwe player top contender to coach World XI

If the recent reports are to be believed, there are some huge developments coming in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) aspirations to bring back international cricket in Pakistan. The top international teams have boycotted playing in the country after the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team eight years ago.

The ICC has decided to bring in a World XI in Lahore next month and Andy Flower is considered to be in the reckoning for the coaching position of the same. The former Zimbabwe cricketer who is better known for his coaching stint with the English team is currently the technical director at England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). He also coaches the Peshawar franchise in the PSL. He might also be expected to select the squad that will play 3 T20Is at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in the last part of September.

Security report concerns

Security officer Reg Dickason of the ECB has compiled the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) report. He visited Pakistan recently to review the security plans. It was his report that cleared the way for England’s tour of Bangladesh last year.

This report will advise the players whether it’s safe to travel to Pakistan. Reports suggest that the players have been offered $100,00 to play three matches over six days plus a pre-series training camp in Dubai.

After having hosted the PSL final successfully in Lahore earlier this year despite FICA’s warning on not to travel, the ICC seems to have strengthened their resolve to bring International cricket back to Pakistan. Former ECB chairman Giles Clarke has had a supreme role to play in this.

Only Zimbabwe has toured Pakistan over the last few years with other countries citing security issues. The Pakistani team has been playing its home games in the UAE. The PSL final was played in Lahore this year and even the international stars like Chris Jordan and Darren Sammy feature in it. Players like Kevin Pietersen and Tymal Mills had rejected the offer of £50,000 plus a guaranteed contract in next year’s PSL to play in the final.