Sri Lankan players approached for ICC World XI series in Pakistan

Based on the latest developments from Pakistan, International Cricket Council (ICC) has given the green signal for Pakistan to host T20 International series against ICC World XI, bringing back cricket to Pakistan after a wait of 9 long years. According to reports, 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.

That said, not all the players from Sri Lanka play in the current squad, in fact, some of them have already retired from the game. A response from these bunch of cricketers is awaited, based on the latest report from the Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA). If reports are to be believed, players from the Muslim community from South Africa would also participate in the series.

Following the series, Sri Lanka has agreed for a tour to Pakistan for T20I series, during the last week of September. Following the footsteps of Sri Lanka, West Indies have also agreed to play a T20I Series in November. PCB Chairman Najam Sethi made the important revelation yesterday in the conference.

Response awaited from SL Players

Post Pakistan’s Champions Trophy, Coach Mickey Arthur, and Captain Sarfraz Ahmed expressed their desire to play a World XI side to bring back cricket in Australia. The announcement made yesterday should have been music to the years of the highly successful duo for Pakistan.

“The players from South Africa, Australia, England, West Indies and New Zealand may make the team. Sri Lankan players’ response is yet to come. In case even one player gives green light to tour [Pakistan], he will be included in the fifteen squads. FICA is not involved in selecting the players. Our role is to advise the players on security issues. Once the team is announced [likely this week] will guide them”, quoted Ken de Alwis, a Sri Lankan representative of FICA, according to The Daily Observer.