ICC optimistic of World XI tour of Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) welcomed on Thursday the World XI’s tour of Pakistan following the naming of the team who will travel to Lahore in September. ICC Director Giles Clarke, who has served as the Chairman of the Pakistan Task Team since 2009, expressed optimism that the series will prove to the first step towards the revival of international cricket in Pakistan.

The star-studded 14-man squad was announced today like promised by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi. It includes Faf du Plessis who will lead the side followed by Hashim Amla, George Bailey, Paul Collingwood, Ben Cutting, Grant Elliott, Tamim Iqbal, David Miller, Tim Paine, Thisara Perera, Darren Sammy, Samuel Badree, Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir.

“I’m delighted that Pakistan will be hosting a high-profile series, which features several top international cricketers from a number of ICC Members. This tour is not only important for cricket in Pakistan but also for international cricket since it opens the possibility of other teams, media and sponsors visiting Pakistan for bilateral series,” said Clarke in the ICC press release.

“The ICC Members releasing their top players and the respective player unions backing this series is a testament to the support the world has extended to Pakistan during these difficult times. The focus of everyone in the international game is the safe return of cricket to Pakistan,” he added.

The former ECB president added that the series will prove to be an “excellent opportunity for Pakistan fans to watch live in action not only their local stars but also the international cricket heroes. I wish the PCB and the World XI best of luck and will be following the matches from the Gaddafi Stadium,” he added.

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Just days earlier, the PCB had confirmed that a World XI series will be held in Lahore after the Punjab Government gave its nod for ‘Presidential level security’ for the tour. Najam Sethi also vouched for the World XI series and stated that it could encourage more countries to come to Pakistan.

As per reports, the PCB is paying players who agree to be part of the World eleven which who will be coached by former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower between USD 75,000 and USD 100,000 for playing a three-match T20I series in Lahore between September 8 and 15.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson, in addition, expressed his support for the initiative of ending the decade-long drought of international cricket in Pakistan.

“The ICC wants to see regular international cricket being played safely in all its member countries and the World XI playing Pakistan in Lahore next month is a step towards that for the PCB,” Richardson said. “The PCB’s plans for the tour will include comprehensive security arrangements for the safety and security of the players, officials, media and spectators” he added.

“We are optimistic that this will be the next step in a steady and safe return of international cricket to Pakistan,” the ICC CEO stated.