12 September,2017 08:59 AM IST | Karachi | PTI
World XI captain Faf du Plessis yesterday said that their tour of Pakistan is not just about playing a series but way bigger than that where the crazy fans get a dose of top flight international cricket
Faf du Plessis
World XI captain Faf du Plessis yesterday said that their tour of Pakistan is not just about playing a series but way bigger than that where the crazy fans get a dose of top flight international cricket.
"It is not just about cricket. This short tour is for something bigger. We are just happy that after a long time Pakistani cricket fans can watch international action at home," Du Plessis said at a press conference. The World XI squad reached Lahore in the wee hours yesterday and were received at the Allama Iqbal International Airport by Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Najam Sethi.
The players and officials had a heavy security cover via the mall road to their hotel where all of their activities are planned for the duration of their stay in Lahore when they play three T20Is today, on September 13 and 15. Security layers have also been extremely tight at the five-star hotel where the World XI and Pakistan teams are staying with only accredited personal allowed access into the hotel lobby besides the guests staying there.
Since March, 2009 when militants attacked the Sri Lankan side near the Gaddafi stadium, no top Test side has come to Pakistan due to security concerns and the ICC also refused to send any match referee and umpires for the limited overs series played by Zimbabwe in May, 2015 in Lahore.
"You always try to find things to help you leave your mark. As a cricketer, in a few years' time, I will be able to look back and say that I played my part in bringing cricket back to Pakistan," Du Plessis added.
