Faf du Plessis and Giles Clarke Reveal World XI Tour To Pakistan Is More Than A Game

Sep 11, 2017 at 4:46 PM

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Faf du Plessis and Giles Clarke Reveal World XI Tour To Pakistan Is More Than A Game

As Pakistan is hosting something big in gentleman’s game after many years, World XI skipper Faf du Plessis revealed he is excited to be the part of the historic Twenty20 series which has gained the international status, as ICC has already recognized it.

“You always try to find things to help you leave your mark. And this seemed like the sort of opportunity to do just that,” du Plessis was quoted as saying by newswire AFP.

The 33-year-old Pretoria-born du Plessis revealed the amount of money did not convince him on offer, but he eventually wanted to leave an impact while giving his best in gentleman’s game, in a bid to be the part of taking top-flight cricket back to Pakistan.

The ICC Chairman for Task force Giles Clarke has also congratulated and hailed PCB’s for putting up splendid efforts including the government and all stakeholders, in a bid to bring elite-level cricket back to the country which has been in the doldrums as the different countries were concerned about the security lapse.

“It is not just cricket, but much more than that,” said Clarke while briefing the media in Lahore.

The South African Test skipper du Plessis is honored to lead the side which has the substantial reason to help Pakistan — to witness major nations playing in the embattled country.

“It’s a huge honour to be here as it’s not often when you are playing cricket in a cause which is much bigger than the game,” du Plessis was quoted as saying by Express Tribune.

While echoing the words of Australian all-rounder Ben Cutting, du Plessis reiterated he would feel contended after a couple of years while looking back at his journey for the cause of resumption of cricket in Pakistan.

“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 maintained.

The administrator Clarke was eventually taken by surprise while witnessing the unwavering faith of the fans, as ICC itself has been monitoring the ground situation since 2011. Photo Credit: PCB.

(Read Also: World XI Tour to Pakistan Thrills Hashim Amla)

Pertinently, the 13 international cricketers from seven nations have already arrived in Lahore on September 11 (Monday) after training in Dubai before wrestling in the three-match Independence Cup scheduled from September 12.

On the other side, Windies leg-spinner Samuel Badree is expected to join the World XI squad on September 11 evening.

Du Plessis has spoken to the media alongside World XI mentor Andy Flower which further saw the former Zimbabwe wicket-keeper batsman stated the die-hard fans have a great chance to witness the international stars entertaining them, adding the players would return with some good memories.

“The World XI comprises well known international players who have come to Lahore to play their part in bringing international cricket to Pakistan so that the DIE-HARD fans can once again watch cricket in their own backyard,” Flower.

However, earlier under the tight security in March this year, PCB had successfully hosted the grand finale of the second edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), as many International players were the part of the two different squads which paved the way for the competition.

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