Independence Cup: World XI team begins two-day camp in Dubai

Faf du Plessis led World XI side has started the two-day camp in Dubai before travelling to Lahore for the big series. The Pakistan Cricket Team is set to play a series of 3 T20 Internationals against the World XI starting September 12. All the matches will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan.

The series has been named ‘Independence Cup’ by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as they are hosting international players for the first time since 2009 with backing and approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Apart from Zimbabwe, no team has visited the country due to the militant attack on the team bus of Sri Lanka on their way to the stadium in Lahore. Talking about the series, Pakistan former cricketer and the commentator Rameez Raja labelled this as a “great occasion” for the fans.

We are a strong cricketing fraternity

Rameez Raja was extremely pleased with the fact that the international cricket will be played in Pakistan after a long time. “It is a great occasion for the home fans. We have taken baby steps with this first initiative and we know that giant steps for international cricket in Pakistan will obviously follow after this historic ICC World XI visit. I would specially like to thank the ICC World XI players who have agreed for this tour. We are a very strong cricket fraternity and I am really happy that the game has won again,” said the 55-year-old.

Shoaib Malik also thanked the visiting side for helping the Pakistan cricket in this cause. “It is a great gesture. I am grateful to the World XI team who are helping bring back international cricket to the country,” he said.

Apart from Faf du Plessis, the World XI side includes the likes of Hashim Amla, Darren Sammy, Paul Collingwood, Morne Morkel, Samuel Badree among others. PCB has not left any stone unturned as the preparations for the series are going on in full swing. The successful hosting of this series would definitely see more teams visiting Pakistan in future.