Grant Elliott ready for the Pakistan challenge, set to earn big

38-year old Grant Elliott is all set to play cricket in Pakistan. The New Zealand batsman retired last year but he has been very active in domestic cricket. The right-handed batsman recently scored an unbeaten 59, playing for Warwickshire. He will become the first Kiwi man to visit the cricket loving country in 13 years.

Elliott has flown out to Lahore, where he will be accompanied by the likes Morne Morkel, Darren Sammy, Tamim Iqbal and Imran Tahir. Faf du Plessis will lead the World XI. The first match will be played on September 12, followed by one on 13th and then the final game on 15th. All the three encounters will take place in Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Each player is expected to receive $135,000 for their participation.

The Pakistan connection

The series will feature players from seven Test playing nations. Legendary cricketer Andy Flower will coach the side. Elliott is no stranger to the Pakistani players. He has played in the PSL for teams- Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalanders.

“I got to know a few people in Pakistani cricket when I performed pretty well in those tournaments,” he told the Herald on Sunday. “I’m also excited about some opportunities which might open up with the Lahore owners. They’ve just bought the Durban Qalanders franchise in South Africa, and I will be their assistant coach in November-December [for the inaugural Global League].

“That doesn’t mean my playing days are over. I’m still keen to play, and have another year with the Birmingham Bears. I’ve just finished a successful tournament there.”

Elliott recently led the Bears to the T20 Blast final where Nottinghamshire beat his side by 22 runs. “The shorter format is something I’m still passionate about, so I may as well keep doing it. I thrived with the captaincy of the Bears towards the end. I enjoy helping younger guys achieve the pathways they want.”