World eleven side will be announced in couple of days: Najam Sethi

The chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Najam Sethi, has said that the names of players of the World XI side which will tour Pakistan will be announced in the next couple of days. They are set to host a three-match T20I series between September 8 and 15.

The purpose of the series is to reinstate International cricket in Pakistan which has not happened since 2009 when the Sri Lankan team was attacked by the militants. Only International team to visit the country in this period is Zimbabwe. Though recently Sri Lanka agreed to visit Pakistan for a series and they were particularly interested in playing a match at Lahore.

Najam Sethi looked confident more than ever of reviving the International cricket to Pakistan. “I am telling you the World eleven will come to Pakistan. I can tell you this notable players from all member countries of the ICC will be in the World eleven. Once the World eleven comes to Lahore the Sri Lankan team will also come and it will open the doors for more teams to come to Pakistan,” Sethi said.

“We will announce the names of the players in the World eleven side in the next 2 to 3 days. “It is a slow process but we are now on the right path,” he said.” the PCB chief added.

Zimbabwean legend Andy Flower will be the coach for the visiting World XI side and it has been reported that the former cricketer has nearly completed his negotiations with players like Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir for the World eleven tour. Reportedly as quoted in Indian Express, it has also being believed that PCB is paying between USD 75,000 and USD 100,000 to the players who will be coming to Pakistan.

ICC hired International security company

Earlier International Cricket Council (ICC) has hired an international security company on a three-year contract in a bid to revive international cricket in Pakistan. When asked about the Najam said, “It’s a step by the ICC for the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. The company is based in three countries – the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates – and has a good repute,” he told the dawn.com.