LAHORE: Former Pakistan Test cricketers have praised the Pakistan Cricket Board, International Cricket Council and the foreign players of the ICC World XI team for their visit to the game-starved country for a three-match Twenty20 series.

A 14-member World XI side, led by South African Test captain Faf du Plessis, is scheduled to arrive in Lahore next month to play three T20 games against Pakistan’s national team on Sept 12, 13 and 15.

“It is heartening to see international cricket return to the country and I am sure millions of fans are waiting for this new beginning,” pace bowling icon and ex-Test skipper Wasim Akram said.

“The experience of playing in front of home crowds is a different one altogether and I’m sure the Pakistan players will be that much more motivated to come up with memorable performances.

“I’ve always believed that youngsters are inspired to pursue the game seriously when they see their heroes in action from close quarters. I’m sure that will be true of this series too, when they will get to watch Pakistan players fight it out against players from the world over.”

Wasim added, “I am very glad to see so many [foreign] players agree to tour Pakistan for this series. I am sure these [T20] matches will go a long way in portraying a positive picture of the country.”

Waqar Younis, another fast bowling legend, commenting on the World XI series in Pakistan said, “This home series against a World XI could not have been better timed. Pakistan produced a superb performance just a few months ago by winning the ICC Champions Trophy and the players deserve the opportunity to display their class at home venues.

“I hope this series will be successful and encourage more international teams to tour Pakistan where people have huge passion for the game and this series creates the opportunity for them to not only watch live cricket action but also look forward to more series.”

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan captain and incumbent chief selector, said, “Despite PCB’s best efforts, cricket had been lagging as other international athletes have participated in various international events in Pakistan in the past few months. But by confirming the World XI tour to Lahore, cricket can proudly say that it supports one of its oldest members, whose contribution to the game is second to none.

“As all eyes will be focused on the series, this poses a golden opportunity for Pakistan to once again show that it is a peace-loving and cricket-crazy nation, which has been deprived of watching international cricket stars for no fault of theirs. Therefore, we need to try to support the series in any way we can as I am sure the PCB will welcome even the smallest contribution because it will lead to bigger accomplishments,” Inzamam said.

Former captain Moin Khan, giving his reaction, said, “World cricket needs a strong Pakistan and while I think enough was not done by the international cricket community in the past, I am glad that finally a [World XI] side comprising top international cricketers is coming to Pakistan.

“It is a massive achievement for the PCB and let us also not forget the touring cricketers who have also realised their duty towards a leading cricket-playing nation.

“There has been some talk about the money the players will be getting. I think they deserve every penny because they are professional cricketers and cricket is their livelihood. But at the same time, people must also realise that they would not have accepted any money if they had believed that it was not safe to travel to Lahore.”

Shahid Afridi, another ex-Pakistan captain known for his flamboyant batting style, termed the World XI visit a major success for Pakistan.

“I see it [World XI series] as a big success for Pakistan as it has been able to convince these international star cricketers that it is safe to play cricket in Pakistan,” Afridi said.

“We all owe a big thanks to these international cricketers, the global cricket community, the ICC and the PCB for taking this positive step.”

Ramiz Raja, a former captain and commentator, also lauded PCB’s efforts for the World XI visit.

“It is a momentous occasion that needs to be applauded, many thanks to the [foreign] players who are making the trip and thank you to the PCB for keeping its promise.

“This is great news for Pakistani fans and cricket fraternity because the international cricket fraternity has backed Pakistan and are behind this effort. I am sure we will see a packed Gaddafi Stadium for all three games.”

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2017