It is good that cricket is returning to Pakistan, says Hashim Amla

South African top order batsman Hashim Amla expressed his elation over the return of International cricket to Pakistan, which will happen next month. The 34-year-old stalwart feels it’s good for the game of cricket that cricket is returning back to Pakistan and though there were some concerns regarding security, both Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket South Africa have done a great job in setting the event up.

Amla will be a part of the World XI side that will travel to Pakistan next month for a 3 match T20 series. Imran Tahir, Faf du Plessis and Morne Morkel are other Proteas cricketers who will be a part of the World XI side. He also felt that the fans in Pakistan would be eager to see their favorite stars once again, which didn’t happen for a long time.

“I had toured Pakistan 10 years ago. It is an exciting prospect to go there after such a long time. If there were no cricket matches in South Africa for such a long time, imagine what would the fans be feeling and missing. It is good that some cricket is returning to Pakistan. Security was an issue but the PCB and CSA have worked that out,” said Amla.

England series was disappointing

South Africa lost England in England for the first time in over two decades and Amla said it was disappointing the way they fared. He also is looking forward to the T20 Global League, which is set commence this November. With a big series against the Indians on the line, he said that the league and the Bangladesh series will help them groove.

“It was disappointing the way we fared in England. But we need to understand that South Africa is a young side and in a rebuilding stage. It would be interesting to see how the South Africa T20 Global League pans out. It would be ideal to play in such a league ahead of an important series like against India. The Test series against Bangladesh in September will help us get in the groove,” said Amla, who is the only South African to score a triple-century in Test cricket.