International Cricket Council (ICC) is making attempts to resume cricket in Pakistan. Since terror attacks on Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009, apart from Zimbabwe, no other international cricket team has visited Pakistan to play cricket.
The ICC has confirmed that a World XI will be sent to face off against a Pakistan XI. Now, if a World XI is picked it is almost certain that some of the Indian players will be picked. India’s captain Virat Kohli and legendary wicketkeeper batsman MS Dhoni are the two named that come to mind while picking any World XI.
Unless the Indian government raises objections, the Pakistani crowds will get to see them in action. Indian players have big fan following in Pakistan. Many Pakistani cricket fans and pundits say that MS Dhoni is one of the most loved and respected cricketers in Pakistan.
It was in 2008 Asia Cup that India last played cricket on Pakistan’s soil.
The ICC said it had agreed to support a three-game Twenty20 series between Pakistan and a World XI in order to bring international cricket back to Pakistan. After Pakistan’s dominating victory against India in the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur said he hoped the visit of the World XI would go ahead.
“We’re scheduled to have a World XI in Pakistan in September for three Twenty20 games,” he said. “So hopefully that starts paving the way for future tours. We can only hope,” Mickey Arthur said.
Pakistan’s ODI captain Sarfraz Ahmed added: “I hope this win will boost Pakistan cricket and all the (major) playing nations will come to Pakistan.”
