Would've been Great to See Some Indian Players in the World XI - Shahid Afridi 1
Shahid Afridi and Virat Kohli. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

Any hopes of seeing Indian players in action in Pakistan has completely evaporated as of now, as they will not be seen in action in the upcoming T20 series between Pakistan and World XI.

Earlier this week, Faf du Plessis was named the captain of the World XI squad to travel to Pakistan to play three T20Is in Lahore next month. Du Plessis will have players from seven countries in his team including the likes of Hashim Amla, Darren Sammy, Paul Collingwood, Tamim Iqbal in the 15-man squad.

However, on the expected lines, there was no trace of any Indian player in the squad. With political situation not sound between the two countries, both the teams had not played a full bilateral Test series since 2007 when Pakistan visited India for three Tests and five One-Day Internationals. They played a short series of three ODIs and two T20s in India in December 2012, but otherwise, both have faced each other only in the ICC organised events or the Asia Cup. Also, they came up against each other in the Champions Trophy.

And while any hopes of seeing the two fierce rivals resuming bilateral ties are looking bleak for the time being, international cricket is set to return to Pakistan. Barring Zimbabwe in 2015, Pakistan had not hosted any county at home since the terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus on March 3, 2009. However, a successful series against World XI might pave the way for the much-awaited return of international cricket to the country.

The recent developments have delighted the Pakistanis and former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is also no different. The all-rounder took to Twitter to praise the joint initiative between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) but at the same time, the absence of Indian players in the World XI squad.

“Really pleased that PCB-ICC have joined hands to bring cricket back home to Pak. Would’ve been great to see some Indian players too,” Afridi tweeted.