Cricket comes home as ‘World XI’ arrive in Pakistan

LAHORE: Finally the wait is over, as the International Cricket Council's (ICC) World XI players have arrived in Lahore amid tight security in wee hours of Monday.

The superstar team, led by South Africa's Faf du Plessis, was welcomed by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi at the Allama Iqbal International airport, before being transported to its hotel at Mall Road.

World XI arrival in Pakistan #CricketKiHalalala #PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/jf74c87JBX

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) September 10, 2017

The World XI features du Plessis' countrymen Hashim Amla and David Miller, plus Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal, New Zealand's Grant Elliott, England's Paul Collingwood and Australia's George Bailey in a strong batting line-up.

A potent bowling attack comprises South Africa's Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir, with Australian Ben Cutting and West Indies' Samuel Badree and Darren Sammy.

World XI arrival in Pakistan #CricketKiHalalala #PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/AAcqYyTQmm

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) September 10, 2017

Upon arrival, the coach of World XI Andy Flower said he was looking forward to a good series against Pakistan.

"It's great to be here; we're looking forward to seeing a lot of you watching the great cricket we put on the show," said Flower.

"We've had a warm welcome. Thank you very much," he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the World XI is scheduled to play three T20 matches of the Independence Cup in Lahore on September 12, 13, and 15.

The World XI stars are all set to embark on the journey to Lahore.

Bring it on!#CricketKiHalalala #PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/8M3C98LmNF

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) September 10, 2017

The PCB has high hopes that the series will close that dark chapter for good — and allow a new generation of players to experience the thrill of playing before a home crowd for the first time.

Just five members of the current squad have done that before — skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Sohail Khan and Ahmed Shehzad.

The moment everyone has been waiting for, #CricketComesHome as WorldXI arrives in Pakistan, @najamsethi welcomes them at airport (Video PCB) pic.twitter.com/cAg2gjgpGL

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) September 10, 2017