I cannot forget Pakistan fans’ happy faces: Faf du Plessis

World XI captain praises love, respect and hospitality of their hosts

LAHORE: World XI’s captain Faf du Plessis, whose team visited Pakistan for the Independence Cup, has said that the best thing he experienced during the three T20Is were the emotions on the faces of the people of the country.

Du Plessis, one part of the team of star players like Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir, George Bailey, Darren Sammy, Samuel Badree, Morne Morkel, David Miller, Paul Collingwood and several others who lost the series 2-1 to Sarfraz Ahmed and co, believes the response from the Pakistani cricket fans was overwhelming.

“Before I visited Pakistan I had a different picture in my mind and a different perception about the people and the country, but when I talked to the players who had visited Pakistan — like Sammy and others — they told me about a whole different side of the country. And now, when I am here, I can say that Sammy was right,” he said.

He then praised the fans further for the love and respect they showered on the World XI players. “The people here are so loving and respectful, and their hospitality in unmatched, which is amazing. The people I met at the hotel and in the Stadium were so happy to see us and they thanked us every time they met us for visiting Pakistan,” he said.

When asked about his favourite thing during the tour, Du Plessis said: “The best part of this tour was the emotions on the faces of Pakistani fans. It clearly showed how hungry they were for international cricket.”

He continued describing the feeling. “It was a great feeling to see that they were so excited and happy to see us here in Pakistan. I cannot forget that ever. It was the best thing on this tour,” he said. “All the players enjoyed so much. Each and everything was so wonderful; the way the crowd supported and respected us and their own national players was amazing to see.”

South Africa skipper said he would love to visit the country again for an enhanced culinary experience. “People in Pakistan know a lot about the game which is amazing. Also, the food here was also really tasty. I would love to taste the other variety on my next visit.”

 ‘We’ll tell everyone about Pakistan’

Du Plessis, who led the first high-profile team’s visit to Pakistan after the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus, vowed to present a positive face of the country on his return to South Africa, and promised that all other players would do the same.

“I had an amazing time here; in fact the whole team had a great time. All players, as ambassadors of their respective countries, will give positive feedback about their visit like I and other South African players will. We will tell our boards and players about our experience here which we believe will be helpful. But again, I will say that the Pakistan Cricket Board will have to take one step at a time and the world will soon see international cricket happening in Pakistan,” said Du Plessis.