The newly-appointed Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Najam Sethi, who has been at the forefront for the resumption of international cricket in Pakistan as he further hinted the World XI three-match Twenty20 series, would increase the chances of the major nations flying to Pakistan for the bilateral series.
“We are very happy to host the World XI and we know this is a small step in many ways but a huge leap for Pakistan,” Sethi was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Sethi admitted the fact that it would not have been possible to organize the series had the players not accepted the offer after security agencies swung into the action.
“For Pakistan, it’s a big day. If this didn’t happen, I don’t know how many more years we would still have to wait for cricket to return,” Sethi asserted.
Moreover, the ICC has played a significant role in making the World XI series a reality after paying the hefty amount as a match fee for the players.
“A lot of courage was needed on other side to put it all together,” Sethi added.
After floating the idea of reviving cricket in Pakistan, Sethi believes the successful grand finale of the second edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, has set the tone for the series.
“In a sense that if the PSL final in Lahore actually opened the gates to the World XI,” Sethi maintained.
While briefing the press conference alongside his friend and ICC’s chairman of the Task Force Giles Clarke, Sethi went on to say that the players are comfortable while arriving in Pakistan, as he is expecting to witness the fierce contest between bat and the ball.
“The players, of course, you have seen in pictures are relaxed, each one of them knows that this trip is not just about cricket. I am grateful to them for this trip, and we look forward to great performance on the field,” Sethi remarked.
Sethi stated he is looking forward to resuming regular cricketing fixtures in Pakistan, as soon as possible.
“We’re building a serious house, and we’re building it with bricks, not straw,” Sethi further added.
Sethi reiterated the world governing body for cricket ICC had spent a hefty amount for the security in a bid to make the event successful.
“ICC have paid for and invested a significant sum of money in security and training of Pakistani security agencies,” Sethi said.
On the other side, World XI coach Andy Flower has praised the efforts of the PCB and security agencies as skipper Faf du Plessis and all-rounder Ben Cutting stated they were dedicated to being the part of the cause.
Sethi has thanked the people of Pakistan and Clarke for significant efforts behind the World Series at home.
“I want to start by thanking all those people who made this possible for international cricket to come back to Pakistan,” Sethi concluded.
In an attempt to resume the top-notch cricket in Pakistan, the first match of the 2017 Independence Cup will be played on Tuesday (September 12) at 7:20 PM in Lahore.