The International Cricket Council has welcomed the World XI’s tour of Pakistan following the naming of the team who will travel to Lahore in September and confirmation that the three game series will go ahead.
Mr Giles Clarke, the ICC Director who has served as the Chairman of the Pakistan Task Team since 2009, was optimistic that the series will be the first step towards international cricket returning safely to Pakistan with further T20 International matches against Sri Lanka and the Windies penciled in for later in the year.
Mr Clarke, who had visited Lahore in January, said: “I’m delighted that Pakistan will be hosting a high-profile series, which features several top international cricketers from a number of ICC Members. This tour is not only important for cricket in Pakistan but also for international cricket since it opens the possibility of other teams, media and sponsors visiting Pakistan for bilateral series.
“Pakistan has been an important Member of the ICC and the cricket community has felt its pain. As part of its duty of care, the cricket community has always ensured that the sport is not affected due to no fault of the Pakistan Cricket Board when it has continued to play its away series off-shore.
“The ICC Members releasing their top players and the respective player unions backing this series is testament to the support the world has extended to Pakistan during these difficult times. The focus of everyone in the international game is the safe return of cricket to Pakistan.
ICC Media Release