In what could be a significant move from International Cricket Council (ICC), to help resuming the cricket in Pakistan on the regular basis, it has been understood that Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB), Chairman Shahryar Khan revealed the top brass of cricketers might land in Pakistan as a part of World XI to entertain enthusiastic fans in the Twenty20 competition. (Read Here: Mickey Arthur Hopes World XI’s Tour Will Pave A Way For Pakistan’s Home Cricket).
“Andy Flower will be the coach of the touring World XI side,” Shahryar was quoted as saying by Geo Tv.
Shahryar in his fresh interview with ‘Yeh Hai Cricket Pakistan’ – a cricket talk show of Geo Super, revealed he has learned that South African star batsman Hashim Amla and former Australian batsman Michael Clarke are expected to feature in Pakistan’s tour of World XI which is scheduled in September.
The octogenarian chief also stated that he believes many star cricketers would turn to make an International event a big success, as he feels players from New Zealand would also share the bench.
“[I] heard that Hashim Amla, Michael Clarke, along with New Zealander Luke Ronchi and Australian Tim Paine, are going to be part of the team,” Shahryar maintained.
Moreover, Shahryar made a point by saying the national Board is waiting for the security clearance for the much-awaited tour from the Punjab’s government, before revealing the team is currently being framed and some of the players have given a green signal to become the part of the World XI.
“I have spoken to them but I’m waiting for a final word, which I am hopeful to receiving in time so that we can make all arrangements for the tour,” Sharyar stated.
The World XI is scheduled to play three Twenty20 matches, as it’s been revealed that the side led by Clarke will stay for around a week and the players are expected to arrive in Pakistan on September 12, subjected as a tentative date, as the visitors are scheduled to return to their respective countries on September 19.
Regarding the meeting over the availability of the players, it has been stated the tour will kick off in the second week of September, this year following due consideration.
“Initially, we discussed scheduling it in the last week of September, then the first week before settling with the second week on the mutual understandings,” Shahryar concluded.
After enjoying the success of Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) grand finale which turned out to be an instant hit, it was the chief of Pakistan’s Special Task Force Team, for the world cricket governing body ICC Giles Clarke, who has had proposed the fixture earlier this year.