World XI's Lahore tour on hold as FICA waits for security reports

The much talked about World XI’s tour of Lahore next month is currently on hold, as the Federation of International Cricket Association (FICA) is waiting for a report from the security experts. ECB’s Reg Dickason’s report will decide the fate of the tour.

Dickason who has been entrusted with the responsibility will present his report to FICA this week. It will solely depend on his inspection, whether the series will go ahead or not. The developments have been much talked about, and a decision is expected to be made.

“Dickason has been to Lahore last month to study the ground realities there and get a briefing on the security arrangements for the World Eleven tour. He will give his report this week to FICA,” a PCB source aware of the developments told PTI.

Andy Flower to form the World XI side

Former Zimbabwe cricketer Andy Flower is playing a key role on behalf of both the PCB and ICC to form the World XI team.  Apart from managing the side, Flower will also be the coach of the unit The series of three T20 matches will take place from September 11 t o 19 and top players will be offered a sum of anything between USD 75 and USD 100,000. A pre tour camp will also take place in Dubai.

This might be a much-needed series for the PCB, as the body is going out of their way to bring international cricket back to Pakistan.”The PCB is keen to have the three matches in Lahore as they would be high profile and give the board a strong platform to convince other teams to tour Pakistan coupled with the successful hosting of the Pakistan Super League final earlier this year in Lahore,” the source said.

It has also been reported that the top officials of PCB have started a series of meetings with the Punjab government and interior ministry to get security clearance for the high-profile tour. The ICC, ECB and other member boards have been quite supportive of the series but the final call will be by the PCB in terms of the security arrangements and other operations.