Hashim Amla or Faf du Plessis likely to lead World XI against Pakistan XI

It has been reported that either South African opener Hashim Amla or the skipper Faf du Plessis will be named the captain of the World XI side. The side is set to play Pakistan XI in a 3-match T20 series in Lahore. The series will start in September and all the games will be played at the same venue.

According to a source, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and PCB are currently processing financial and insurance matters for World XI players. Once contracts are signed by the cricketers, the team will be announced in the coming days.

A top Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official told Dawn News on Tuesday that either of the two South African superstars will wear the captain’s armband. PCB Chairman Najam Sethi said on Monday that 15 players from seven countries had agreed to visit Pakistan as part of the World XI squad. Sethi also added that the list of names will be out within 72 hours.

Big names to fill in

Two big names in South Africa and world cricket, Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis, have consented to tour Pakistan with the ICC World XI and one of them will be the captain of the side,” the official said.  The new PCB Chairman, addressing a press conference, said, “Players from England, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe have agreed to play the World XI tournament in Pakistan. India, however, has declined to send players.”

Former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower, who will coach the World XI, has been assigned to select the squad for the tour, which is financially supported by the ICC.

Hardly any action in Pakistan

Only Zimbabwe toured Pakistan since 2009, rest of the homes games, assigned to Pakistan were played in Dubai. It has been reported that Sri Lanka and West Indies will tour the cricket loving nation by the end of this year.