Playing in Pakistan will be an experience of a lifetime, says Faf du plessis

An ICC World XI is set to tour Pakistan in the month of September in a bid to resume international cricket in the country. Pakistan Cricket Board chief Najam Sethi confirmed that South Africa batsman Faf du Plessis will lead the World XI on their visit to Pakistan. Sethi made the announcement in a press conference on Thursday, August 24.

September 12 and 13 will see the first two T20 games take place respectively while the final game will be played on the 15th of September. There are a number of South Africans in the team apart from Du Plessis, going by the name of Morne Morkel, Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir and David Miller.  George Bailey, Ben Cutting and wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine make up the Australian firepower in the team. Darren Sammy and Samuel Badree are the two West Indians that will travel to Pakistan.

Paul Collingwood, Tamim Iqbal, Thisara Perera and Grant Elliott are the other popular names who will be a part of the series. The only two countries who have stayed away from touring Pakistan are India and Zimbabwe.

What Du Plessis said:

Du Plessis mentioned that it is a great honor for him to be the captain of a side with such variety. He also pointed out that playing in front of the Pakistani supporters in Pakistan will be an experience of a lifetime.

Speaking about the privilege of leading the World XI side, Du Plessis said “I am honored to have been appointed as the captain of such a diverse, attractive and well balanced side. Like most of the players, I look forward to my maiden tour of Lahore and play my part in the safe and gradual resumption of international cricket in Pakistan,”.

“All the members of the squad have complete faith in the assessment and judgement of the security experts who have assured that there will be no compromise on the safety and security of all those involved in the series. As professionals, we are being paid to play in the series but the bottom line is that if we don’t feel safe, no amount of money can get us there. In this background, we will land in Lahore with nothing except cricket on our minds.” he added.

“In my career, I have featured in some very exciting matches against Pakistan but to play in Pakistan in front of its passionate supporters, will be a unique experience which I cannot wait to explain. As a player I understand the importance of playing in front of home crowds and that is something I am sure that Pakistani players will relish,” du Plessis added.

“I am looking forward to the trip to Pakistan. The rehabilitation of my shoulder is progressing well and I am confident of being fit for the matches,” said Hashim Amla, who will be one among the five South African players in the squad.” concluded the batsman.