PCB looking to tweak dates for World XI tour to ensure the presence of big names

The Pakistan Cricket Board has shifted their focus on rescheduling the World XI tour to the country so that they do not miss out on top-notch players from around the world. The information was revealed by some PCB sources on Friday.

An ICC World XI team was scheduled to tour Pakistan in order to engage themselves in a three-match T20 series during the end of September this year. According to sources, the PCB is trying their best to pre-pone the series to the beginning of September so that big names from the world of cricket can take part in the series.

The PCB is desperate to ensure the move because some of their international targets would not be available late in September due to their commitments towards their country. The board does not want to let go of some of the major names and intends to bring them to the country.

ICC’s decision:

The ICC gave a green signal to the tour in a meeting which took place last month. It’s a step forward towards the board’s mission to bring back international cricket to Pakistan.

“Plans for a World XI to play in Pakistan later this year continue to be developed as the ICC Board confirmed its support of Pakistan’s efforts to bring international cricket back to Pakistan,” the ICC said in a statement after its board meeting in London in June.

The attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in the year of 2009 in Lahore marked the end of teams touring Pakistan. It was a black day in the history of the sport. In 2015, Zimbabwe became the first team since the horrific attack to go and play a series in Pakistan.

The list of players visiting with the World XI has not been disclosed, but it is expected that following the backing of the ICC board, all major Test nations will have representation in the event.