"It's not every day you get an opportunity to play in something that is much more than just about yourself and your own team or your own country," du Plessis said. World XI coach Andy Flower, who toured Pakistan in 1993, 1996 and 1998 with Zimbabwe, said he and his team were "privileged" to be there.We are happy that Pakistani cricket fans can watch international action at home: World XI captain Faf du Plessis https://t.co/rCO2mBAp8s pic.twitter.com/bu5xfOVt5W
— DNA (@dna) September 11, 2017
Also Read: Pakistan take big step in from cold as World come to play
"We, as the World XI, would also like to offer our sympathy and condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones in terrorist acts in Pakistan," he said. "These cricketers are here to play their part in the safe and steady return of international cricket in Pakistan, so that the enthusiastic and diehard fans and followers of Pakistan cricket can once again start watching their stars in their own backyard."
Officials have said there will be "foolproof" security for the three-match Twenty20 series starting Tuesday in Lahore. Both the hotel and stadium will be cordoned off, with 9,000 police and paramilitary staff deployed. Shops and restaurants around the venue will be shut while spectators will have to pass through multiple security checkpoints. Du Plessis said he was confident in the security arrangements.“I am proud to be captain of the World XI, to be bringing international cricket back to #Pakistan,”Captain Faf du Plessis #PAKvWXI #cricket pic.twitter.com/7duDHrf3aV
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) September 11, 2017
"You do think about that sort of thing, but as soon as we spoke to the people who were in control of the security... as a player all you want was that peace of mind and they gave it to us." Once the players boarded the plane, he said, their fears vanished as they began to look forward to taking part in what he described as a "huge turnaround in world cricket". Since the 2009 attack Pakistan have been forced to play most of their home games overseas.Faf du Plessis and Andy Flower press conference in Lahore https://t.co/CUQoiLekos
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) September 11, 2017
But security has dramatically improved in the last two years, signalling hopes for the slow revival of international sport. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi said the World XI's arrival was a great day for Pakistan, though he admitted there was still a long way to go. International Cricket Council head Giles Clarke said it was "still a long road and a lot of work". But he said events such as the final of the popular Pakistan Super League in Lahore earlier this year had made the World XI tour possible.#PAKvWXI: Leading World XI team is a proud moment for me, says Faf du Plessis @faf1307Live: https://t.co/bxIZLEEoxU pic.twitter.com/AwkCP2b9CW
— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) September 11, 2017
"Everybody had the courage and the confidence to play here (after that) and that was essential for this series," he said. Sethi thanked the World XI players for agreeing to the tour, and said the PCB now expects "more doors to open". Sri Lanka are set to make a hugely symbolic return to Lahore as part of a full series against Pakistan in October. Pakistan also hope West Indies will play three T20s in the city in November.Touring Pakistan to leave my footprint on cricket: Faf du Plessis https://t.co/Vp38RvBaay pic.twitter.com/JUWF154ss2
— Tribune Sports (@ETribuneSports) September 11, 2017
Faf Du Plessis is looking forward to the Independence Cup#WorldXI #PakvWXIRead more: https://t.co/Nj2l1zo1HR pic.twitter.com/7EnU3bnG37
— ARY Sports (@ARYSports_Web) September 11, 2017
