ICC World XI invites Tamim Iqbal to represent their team against Pakistan

The entire cricketing fraternity in Pakistan is breathing a sigh of relief, as cricket is finally returning to the country after a wait for 9 years. In the round of preparations for the tour, ICC World XI has invited swashbuckling Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal to represent their team in the three-match T20I series in Lahore.

Provided boards from all the other countries issue the NOC (No Objection Certificate), there’s no stopping the southpaw from representing the World XI side next month in Pakistan. Furthermore, the team would be managed by former Zimbabwe batsman and England coach Andy Flower.

“We are getting positive signals and the doors of international cricket are opening on Pakistan. We will play a full series with Sri Lanka in the UAE after which Sri Lanka will come to Lahore for a T20, so things are shaping up,”  commented the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Najam Sethi, in Lahore.

Few Sri Lankans also approached

Earlier on Monday, Pakistan announced the return of international cricket on its soil, with three separate sides, including the World XI team, scheduled to visit after years of isolation over security concern. A World XI tour kicks off next month, followed by a short visit from the Sri Lankan team for a T20I in October, then they will host a T20I series against the West Indies team a month later.

Pakistan was bereft of any prominent international cricketing action since the terror attacks on Sri Lankan cricketers back 2009. After Pakistan’s Champions Trophy win, coach Mickey Arthur, and captain Sarfraz Ahmed expressed their desire to play a World XI side to bring back cricket in the country.

Sethi said he will announce the names of World XI players in the coming days. Preparation for the series has already started and as many as four to five Sri Lankan players have been approached to represent ICC World XI as well.