Wasim Akram overjoyed as cricket returns to Pakistan with World XI tour

Pakistan is all geared up as the nation’s beloved sport is set to make a comeback in the country with the ICC’s World XI tour. Amidst high security and frenzied fans, the 3 T20I Series between Pakistan and the World XI side is sure to be a spectacle to behold. Former Pakistani cricketer, Wasim Akram took to Twitter recently to express his elation at the homecoming of the game.

It was the tragic attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009 that catapulted the drought of major cricketing action in Pakistan. The horrific incident that occurred near the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore left eight people dead and injured seven players and support staff. However, Pakistan and the fans have stayed in the shadow of the barbaric incident for long and the country is all set to welcome the sport back into the nation.

Wasim Akram welcomes cricket back into his country

Pace legend, Akram is ecstatic at the return of his sport to his homeland and tweeted to express his joy. The Independence Cup boasts of some prominent names in the cricketing world, including the likes of Imran Tahir, Paul Collingwood, Hashim Amla and Darren Sammy in the World XI side. Further, the side is going to be captained by the current Protean captain, Faf du Plessis. Players like Amla have stressed on the tournament being a heartfelt attempt to restore cricket to Pakistan.

Further, the series is bound to be a sight for sore eyes when it comes to Pakistani cricket lovers, who have been deprived of being able to witness major cricketing events for years. The current Pakistan team will also get a chance to perform in front of the home crowd and that, in itself, is going to be a new experience for many of the young players of the squad. The current squad comprises only 5 players who have previously played on their home soil, namely skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Sohail Khan and Ahmed Shehzad.

Here’s what Wasim Akram tweeted:

Heading to the heart of the nation for what we anticipate to be an epic rebirth of our country's beloved sport- Cricket! #CricketComesHome

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) September 11, 2017