Tamim Iqbal believes its fulfilling to be a part of the World XI

Swashbuckling Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal, who has been recently included in the ICC World XI, stated that he feels proud to be a part of the 14-man squad which is scheduled to play three T20 Internationals against Pakistan next month. The other Asian member of the team is Sri Lankan all-rounder, Thisara Perera.

The team is headed by South African Test captain Faf du Plessis. The other members of the Protean squad representing the World XI squad are David Miller, Morne Morkel, Hashim Amla and Imran Tahir. The three Australians who agreed to tour Pakistan are George Bailey, Tim Paine and Ben Cutting.

The matches are scheduled for September 12, 13 and 15 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Interestingly, the last piece of international action the stadium saw was the Sri Lankan players being airlifted post terror attacks at the team bus, back in 2009. Since then, Pakistan was bereft of any prominent international action.

“Firstly, it’s an ICC approved tournament. The matches will have international status. Secondly, I think it’s a big affair to represent World XI. I am proud for that,” commented Tamim Iqbal at a press conference on Friday, according to BDCrictime.

Pakistan needed help: Iqbal

“I think the ten cricketing countries are like a family. Someone had to help Pakistan to get international cricket back to the country. I think they are doing a fantastic thing by making these arrangements and hopefully, they [Pakistan] will be able to host the matches successfully,” further added the talismanic Bangladeshi opener.

“We can hope that more international team will visit them (Pakistan) in the future if the tournament is successful,” concluded Tamim. Tamim Iqbal is all set to join the likes of Darren Sammy, Paul Collingwood, Grant Elliot and Samuel Badree as the World XI makes its T20I debut on September 12.