Reports: Faf du Plessis will captain the World XI side on the tour of Pakistan

With every passing day, a new name expected to feature in the World XI side against Pakistan is emerging. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had issued a 72-hour ultimatum to announce the squad but Andy Flower is yet to do so. Now, amidst the speculations for the players, it has emerged that South African captain Faf du Plessis will be leading the team on the tour.

Reports suggest that Faf who is now expected to take over the captaincy reins in all formats since AB de Villiers stepped down is willing to take up the role. Faf has been captaining the Proteas in absence of the regular skipper which has been often in the recent past.

“I can confirm you that Faf (du Plessis) will lead the World XI,” Geo News quoted a source as saying.

Players confirmed in the World XI side

In the past few days, many cricketers across different teams have expressed their desires to be part of the World XI side, in order to support the return of international cricket in Pakistan. However, as per reports, many big names including South Africa’s Hashim Amla, New Zealander James Neesham, England’s Paul Collingwood and other big star players from Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe have confirmed their participation in the event.

Revival of Cricket in Pakistan

Pakistan has not witnessed an international cricket game in the country since the 2009 Lahore attack, except a short Zimbabwe tour in 2015. PCB is trying its level best to bring the sport back home with this T20 series between World XI and Pakistan national team. The board has also ensured that they will be providing a President level of security to the players and all the fans are hoping for it to be a success.

To support the cause, both Sri Lanka and the Windies boards have also expressed their desires to tour Pakistan for a limited-overs series.