News Analysis |
Ace South African opening batsman and a member of the World XI squad was impressed with the arrangements and security during the recently-concluded Independence Cup held between Pakistan and the World XI. Pakistan clinched the historic series which is being seen as a great leap forward toward the revival of international cricket in the country.
In an interview to a private news channel, the classy right-hander said the hospitality in Pakistan was amazing and made him feel at home.“It was great. The people in Pakistan were so welcoming and really made the World XI team feel at home,” Amla said. Known for his delightful stroke-play, Amla was instrumental in essaying a last-gasp victory in the second T20; he bagged the coolest player of the series award.
Read more: Pakistan clinch the historic Independence Cup; Afridi, Misbah get farewells
Amla said that the entire squad was briefed before they visited Lahore.”We understood how much planning had gone into this event to give it the best chance of succeeding,” Amla said while lauding all those who made the arrangements.
With Srilanka and West Indies slated to visit Pakistan in October and November, respectively, good optics and feedback from international stars augur well for cricket fans in the country
The series was more than cricket for the country; it is more about sending the right optics to the international community regarding the fact that Pakistan is a safe country. The aim was not only to cajole cricket-playing nations to visit Pakistan in the near future but also to show that Pakistan has effectively eliminated the scourge of terrorism.
Amla said:”Our experience has been a good one. Slowly with time, the confidence will build again. The PCB made a big effort and if they continue to do so then things will only improve,” asserted the right-hander.
The positive statements from Amla and other players to include skipper Faf du Plessis has raised the prospects that South Africa will visit Pakistan. Apart from Amla and Faf, David Miller, Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir were the other South Africans in the World XI squad.
Read more: The wait is over! the historic Independence Cup kicks off today
Miller tweeted:”Thank you Pakistan for looking after us. Had a super time. A lot of laughter over last 5 days. Till next time.”
Thank you Pakistan for looking after us.. Had a super time. A lot of laughter over last 5days. Till next time. #cricketkihalala #PAKvWXI
— David Miller (@DavidMillerSA12) September 16, 2017
Faf du Plessis expressed his wish that the World XI team should visit Pakistan next year too. With Srilanka and West Indies slated to visit Pakistan in October and November, respectively, good optics and feedback from international stars augur well for cricket fans in the country.