The Story
A great news caught the headlines after Pakistan’s stunning 180-run win over arch-rivals India in Champions Trophy final at The Oval, as coach Mickey Arthur revealed that a World XI side will visit Pakistan as a measure to revive cricket in the country.
No international side has toured Pakistan for a full tour since the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team at the Gaddafi Stadium. This complete isolation has forced Pakistan to play its home games at UAE and the fans have been deprived of the first-hand cricketing action.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) decided in June to materialise the plans for a three-match T20 series between Pakistan and a World XI in Lahore in September as their latest effort to make Pakistan a cricketing hist again.
“We’re scheduled to have a World XI in Pakistan in September for three Twenty20 games. So hopefully that starts paving the way for future tours. We can only hope.”
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed also felt optimistic about the tour.
“I hope this win will boost Pakistan cricket and all the (major) playing nations will come to Pakistan.
Terrorists Can’t Win
The likelihood of a World XI series would be understood after the important meeting with the Punjab government next week. The meet is being scheduled to receive official security clearance for the matches that would be recognised as full internationals by the ICC.
Giles Clarke, the president of the England and Wales Cricket Board and head of the ICC’s Pakistan task force told the Guardian in March.
“The desire is to give the cricket-starved Pakistani supporters the chance to see some of the world’s finest players in live action.
“Furthermore, the terrorists cannot win and cricket must not give up on Pakistan.”
Former England Coach Andy Flower To Pick The Side
Flower, who was earlier named as the coach of the World XI, has been entrusted with the chief selector role as well.
“The ICC handed over responsibility to Andy Flower to pick the 15 best players for the World XI squad,” Dawn quoted a Pakistan Cricket Board official as saying.
“The ICC will make a final decision on the selection of the squad,” the PCB official said.