Grant Elliot calls Pakistan as safe as any other country

Security was the major hurdle ahead of the Independence Cup but the authorities have lived up to the promise of providing ‘Presidential level security’ to all cricketers. This series has marked a return of international cricket to Pakistan after a long wait. Barring Zimbabwe, who played an unapproved series in Pakistan, no other country has visited the nation since the brutal terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009.

Former Kiwi all-rounder Grant Elliot is a part of the touring squad of the World XI. He was a part of the PSL and won many hearts by his ‘bat dropping’ celebrations when he won a crunch game for his franchise Lahore Qalandars. The South African born cricketer didn’t live up to his credentials in the first game and was left out of the XI for the second one.

Elliot calls Pakistan a safe country to visit

Elliot gave a green flag to the security arrangements provided by the Pakistan government. The 38-year old, in an exclusive chat with Geo New, said that the security has been “amazing” and the country as safe to tour as any in the world of cricket.

“My experience here has been great so far. The security is amazing. All of us [players] feel secure,” he told Geo News in an exclusive interview ahead of the final T20 match of the Independence Cup.

“When we go from the ground to the hotel, it’s as safe as any other country,” said Elliot who has finally played some cricket in Pakistan. The right-handed batsman was delighted with the support received from the crowds and the hospitality.

“It’s the only [cricket-playing] country I hadn’t been to, but now I can say I’ve played cricket in Pakistan,” he said, all smiles as he went on to share his experiences of the famous Pakistani hospitality.

“It is great. The hospitality, the support from the crowds at the ground. It’s nice to be here.”

Elliot sees no problem in other countries touring Pakistan

Like everyone else, Elliot hopes that after the successful reintegration of limited overs cricket in the country, Test cricket could mark a return too. He stressed that the decision of other countries touring Pakistan hinges on the level of security provided by the government.

“If security plans stay as good as this, other teams will also come here. Hopefully, Pakistan will play Test cricket at home again. It will be good for the children to see their heroes play,” said the former New Zealand all-rounder.

The third and final T20I will be played on Friday evening. With the series leveled at 1-1, the crowds could be in for a treat as the World XI are determined to wrap the series.