Paul Collingwood willing to play for World XI on the tour to Pakistan

The T20 series in Pakistan involving a World XI team and the Pakistan is the latest buzz, and the most talked about schedule in the cricketing world. In the past few days, many cricketers have reportedly agreed to support the return of international cricket in Pakistan. Former England captain and one of the most experienced T20 players, Paul Collingwood has shown positive signs towards participating in the T20 series in Pakistan, next month.

Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the tour is will commence from September 12 and the remaining two games will be played on September 13 and 15. The historic Gaddafi stadium in Lahore will host all the three matches and the stadium will have an incredible security arrangement guarding the players and the fans.

Collingwood expressed his desire to represent the World XI, but only after being sure about the safety measures that are in place for the tour. Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower will be coaching the World XI side for the T20 series in Pakistan.

“I’ve been asked if I would be willing. But until you hear all the details of the security and everything you can’t really commit to anything. Andy asked me if I would entertain the idea, so that’s the starting point,” said Collingwood, as quoted by News18.

Tag of a 41-year-old

Recently, 41-year-old registered a 68-ball ton (108 off 68 balls) against Worcestershire at New Road, which also made him the oldest cricketer to score a T20 hundred. His addition will definitely be a huge boost to the World XI side.

“Certainly the thing that would interest me is if, at 41, I could play in a T20 international in front of that crowd, that would float anybody’s boat. The tag of a world XI at 41, I’m quite proud of that if I was to get into that team,” added the experienced Englishman.

Cricketing memories in Pakistan

After hosting a successful final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) earlier this year, PCB is looking forward towards reviving the sport back in the nation. And in reply, both Sri Lanka and West Indies have agreed to tour Pakistan for a limited-overs series.

Collingwood who has his share of memories playing in the nation, back in the day while representing the English team further stated: “I think Karachi was probably one of the loudest crowds I have heard during an international match. They love cricket out there and it’s a tough place to tour.”

“If it was England and we weren’t allowed to play cricket in England, we would be doing everything possible to get it back,” he concluded.