New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott has expressed satisfaction over the foolproof security which has been set-up by Pakistan for the three-match World XI’s tour which is scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, beginning from September 12.
“You assess the risks involved and make a decision as a family. Of course the players are getting paid but, if no one felt safe, no one would be going,” Elliott was quoted as saying by New Zealand Herald.
The right-handed batsman Elliott is the only player from New Zealand — to feature in the international game against Pakistan, as the promising prospect is confident that the visit to the embattled nation would pay dividends to the gentleman’s game after being named in the 14-member squad of ICC’s World XI.
“We get the reports from all the relevant agencies such as FICA (the Federation of International Cricket Associations) and independent security firms,” Elliott added.
Recently, the 38-year-old Johannesburg-born Elliott has led English County club Warwickshire in the grand finale of the 2017 NatWest Twenty20 Blast.
Earlier, on August 26 and 27 respectively the world cricket governing body ICC has chalked out a detailed inspection before giving a green signal to the T20 series, as Pakistan government (in Punjab) has promised the presidential-level security to the players of around seven different countries.
Elliott revealed it is the sorry state of affairs for Pakistan cricket, as according to him the side led by Sarfraz Ahmed has shown a lot of promise in the elite-level cricket.
“It’s sad for them that they never play at home. They always talk about it with such passion. I think we can expect enthusiastic crowds,” Elliott maintained.
The World XI team would be led by South African skipper Faf du Plessis, as the tournament is bound to grab millions of eyeballs following the rigorous efforts from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ICC jointly, in a bid to revive international cricket in Pakistan.
“These are small steps in returning cricket to Pakistan on a more permanent basis. Wherever you go there are risks, and being away from home for long periods is always tough on the family,” Elliott remarked.
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While expressing the confidence, Elliott alongside other players would be receiving the hefty amount as a match fee, as Gaddafi Stadium would witness the massive rush of the spectators to see the much-awaited series after Zimbabwe played five-match bilateral series in 2015.
Earlier, the Punjab government has assured the ICC about the safety of the professional cricketers, as Elliott revealed it was the mutual decision while considering the security situation in Pakistan and they would not have accepted the offer due to the security concerns.
As the highly anticipated matches are scheduled to play under floodlights, Elliott has eventually become a first from Black Caps to feature in Pakistan after 2004 in the international game.
It’s pertinent to mention; the World XI side would be mentored by former Zimbabwe’s skipper and wicketkeeper batsman Andy Flower.
As the players from seven Test-playing nations are looking forward to wrestling in the cricket-starved country, each player is bound to receive USD135,000 for making the appearance.
However, Pakistan has successfully organized the grand finale of the Pakistan Super League’s second edition on March 5 between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi.
Earlier, Elliott has been a part of PSL franchises Lahore Qalanders and Quetta Gladiators and is hopeful to continue in the shortest format of the game.
In 2009, the Pakistan cricket was jolted when a gruesome attack on Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore put curtains on International cricket in Pakistan for at least five years.