Internet Desk: Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis will be leading the World XI side for the three match T20 series to be held in Pakistan in September.
The three T20s will be played on September 12,13 and 15 respectively and the games would be played at Lahore.
There would be 5 South African players like Hashim Amla, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Imaran Tahir and the skipper himself.
There would be three Australian players like George Bailey, Ben Cutting and Wicket kepper Tim Paine. For the Windes, Samuel Badree would be joined by Darren Sammy.
England, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Kiwis would be represented by Paul Collingwood, Tamim Iqbal, Thisara Perera and Grant Elliott. India, Pakistan and Zimbabwe will be the three nations who won’t feature in the World XI.
“I am honored to have been appointed as the captain of such a diverse, attractive and well balanced side. Like most of the players, I look forward to my maiden tour of Lahore and play my part in the safe and gradual resumption of international cricket in Pakistan,” du Plessis said on the momentous occasion.
“All the members of the squad have complete faith in the assessment and judgement of the security experts who have assured that there will be no compromise on the safety and security of all those involved in the series. As professionals, we are being paid to play in the series but the bottom line is that if we don’t feel safe, no amount of money can get us there. In this background, we will land in Lahore with nothing except cricket on our minds.
“In my career, I have featured in some very exciting matches against Pakistan but to play in Pakistan in front of its passionate supporters, will be a unique experience which I cannot wait to explain. As a player I understand the importance of playing in front of home crowds and that is something I am sure that Pakistani players will relish,” du Plessis added.
I am looking forward to the trip to Pakistan. The rehabilitation of my shoulder is progressing well and I am confident of being fit for the matches,” said Hashim Amla, who will be one among the five South Africa players in the World XI.
Andy Flower would be the coach of the World XI and he is happy and looking forward for the tournament.
“I have visited Pakistan in 1993, 1996 and 1998 with the Zimbabwe cricket team. I have enjoyed all my previous tours of Pakistan and look forward to returning to Lahore next month. All the players are satisfied and comfortable with the security arrangements that will be put in place for the series and are happy to be a part of the first step towards the safe return of international cricket in Pakistan.
“We now look forward to playing some exciting cricket, so that we can entertain the Lahore crowd who have waited long enough to see local as well as international stars live in their backyard,” Flower said.
Squad: Faf du Plessis (C), Hashim Amla, Samuel Badree, George Bailey, Paul Collingwood, Ben Cutting, Grant Elliott, Tamim Iqbal, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Tim Paine, Thisara Perera, Imran Tahir, Darren Sammy