The Story

After announcing the formation of the international security company to ensure the resumption of cricket in Pakistan, newly-appointed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has assured the names of the players in the World XI side will be announced in the next couple of days.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently declared that a security company would be employed for a three-year period to enhance the security status and strengthen Pakistan’s bid to revive international cricket on their soil. The primary job of the company will be to assess the safety conditions at the venues.

Players Name Almost Shortlisted

Top Test teams have refrained from touring Pakistan since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in March 2009. Only Zimbabwe toured the nation for a short tour in 2015.

“I am telling you the World eleven will come to Pakistan. I can tell you this – notable players from all member countries of the ICC will be in the World eleven,” he told a gathering in Lahore yesterday.

“Once the World eleven comes to Lahore the Sri Lankan team will also come, and it will open the doors for more teams to come to Pakistan,” Sethi said.

It has been understood that former Zimbabwean Test player Andy Flower is conducting negotiations in full swing with some leading players. The list of probable’s includes Hashim Amla and Imran Tahir among others.

“We will announce the names of the players in the World eleven side in the next 2 to 3 days,” the PCB chief said.

Sethi said this time the board was planning to hold some matches of the 3rd PSL in Lahore and Karachi.

“It is a slow process, but we are now on the right path,” he said.

The PCB will reportedly pay between USD 75,000 and USD 100,000 to the players who agree to play the three-match T20 series in Lahore between September 8 and 15.