World XI to visit Pakistan for exhibition T20s
Foreign sides have refused to play in Pakistan since 2009, when the Sri Lankan team was attacked as they arrived for the third day of the second Test in Lahore, leaving eight people dead.
Former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya will lead the World XI, which also includes former players from South Africa and the West Indies. They will play a Pakistan All Stars side in Karachi on Saturday and Sunday.
Mohammad Ali Shah, sports minister for Sindh province, said the matches will help restore Pakistan's image in the world.
"We hope that this small step will pave the way for other teams to tour Pakistan and by staging these matches we hope to send a clear message that our country is safe for international sports," Shah told a press conference.
Former West Indian batsman Alvin Kallicharan will be the manager of the World XI, said Shah.
The World XI will also include Ricardo Powell, Steven Taylor, Jermaine Charles Lawson and Adam Sanford, all from the West Indies; South Africa's Justin Kemp, Loots Bosman, Mthandeki Tschabalala, Andre Nel, Andre Johann Seymore and Nantie Hayward; and Shapoor Zadran and Mohammad Shahzad Mohammadi of Afghanistan.
Shah said strict security would be in place.
"Around 5,000 policemen will be employed to avoid any lapse and we are sure that these arrangements will make the players at ease," said Shah. "All the players are excited over the prospect of visiting Pakistan."
Pakistan All Stars will be led by current all-rounder Shahid Afridi and include Younis Khan, Nasir Jamshed, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Umar Gul, Mohammad Sami, Wahab Riaz and Imran Nazir.
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1732643921-0/4548774-1403918848-(1)1732643921-0-270x192.webp "pakistan to strengthen naval defence with its first frigate sized warship")
Well they are not Top players (other than Jaysuria). I think the idea is to bring international cricket in Pakistan with as many matches possible to play. Once international teams are convinced that now Pakistan is safe for sports, they will come. In the mean time at least enjoy these matches and pray for best :)
World eleven of non-playing and discarded players? How on earth can we call it world eleven? I guess it is better to have second and a third grade player when you cannot get players from their country’s playing teams.
The World XI will also include Ricardo Powell, Steven Taylor, Jermaine Charles Lawson and Adam Sanford, all from the West Indies; South Africa’s Justin Kemp, Loots Bosman, Mthandeki Tschabalala, Andre Nel, Andre Johann Seymore and Nantie Hayward; and Shapoor Zadran and Mohammad Shahzad Mohammadi of Afghanistan. That is World XI!?
good...
No Australian and English Player in Side :(
What is the reward? more pensions for the World XI team?
@ anwar legend? who
World Eleven !! R u Sure !!
Hope the organisers take TTP into confidence of either giving them free tickets to watch the match or ask them to provide security cover to the visiting team.
Please provide them best security. Legends are coming.
When?
oh dear oh dear lets hope for the best!
finally