Monday (22nd August) was a day Pakistani cricket fans had been waiting for a long time now. Cricket matches have not been played in Pakistan since the Sri Lankan team bus was targeted by unidentified assailants. Recently, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that 15 players from seven different countries have agreed to visit the country as part of the World XI squad to play a three-match T20 series to be held in Lahore next month. It has also been confirmed that former English all-rounder Paul Collingwood would be leading the World XI.
This is a big turn of events for Pakistani cricket fans as with no international cricket being played in Pakistan, it has definitely hurt their revenue. Now that international cricket is set to make a comeback in Pakistan, former Pakistani pacer, Wasim Akram sent an emotional message. The message will surely make you teary-eyed. “I grew up watching my heroes play right before my eyes, now this generation will be able to do the same InshAllah #CricketIsComingBackHome,” the veteran southpaw tweeted.
I grew up watching my heroes play right before my eyes,now this generation will be able to do the same InshAllah #CricketIsComingBackHome
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) August 21, 2017
Earlier, addressing a press conference, PCB chairman Najam Sethi said that the Punjab Government had approved ‘Presidential level security’ for the week-long tour.
Chairman PCB, Mr. Najam Sethi press conference at GSL https://t.co/1r3hD46wAr
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) August 21, 2017
“Players from England, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe have agreed to play the World XI tournament in Pakistan, however, India has declined to send its players to Pakistan,” the Dawn quoted Sethi as saying.
Cricket West Indies and the PCB are advancing discussions that will see the Windies playing 3 T20I matches in… https://t.co/5wnDuRSly6
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) August 21, 2017
Now that things are finally looking up for Pakistan, people there would keep their fingers crossed in the hope that terrorism doesn’t again play spoilsport to the growth of cricket.
