LAHORE: Former South African captain A.B. de Villiers on Monday confirmed to participate in Lahore Qalandars’ back-to-back matches at the Gaddafi Stadium in March.
“I feel I have a role to play in helping international cricket return to Pakistan,” said the former South Africa captain in a release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board here on Monday.
With one month to go for the start of the Pakistan Super League, it’s a shot in the arm for the glitzy T20 league with De Villiers to be seen in action at the Gaddafi Stadium as a time when Cricket Australia refused to play a series against Pakistan in Pakistan due to security concerns.
Lahore Qalandars, who are hoping to be fourth time lucky in their quest for glory, will take on defending champions Islamabad United on March 9, while on the following day, they will face Multan Sultans.
De Villiers will also be in action on the opening day of the tournament on Feb 14, in Dubai, when the Qalandars meet Islamabad United. The 34-match tournament concludes with the final at Karachi’s National Stadium on March 17.
“I am delighted to confirm that I will represent Lahore Qalandars in front of our home crowds on March 9 and 10 during the PSL 2019,” De Villiers announced.
“I look forward to revisiting the Gaddafi Stadium and aim to play my part in helping Lahore Qalandars achieve something they have been aspiring for since the inception of this tournament in 2016.”
De Villiers’ only previous visit to Lahore was in 2007. In the drawn Test that October, he had scored 45 and eight not out, but returned later in the same month to score 103 not out, 35 and 17 in the first, second and fifth ODIs, respectively.
“I am fully aware that cricket is like a second religion in Pakistan. I still remember the support and appreciation we received in 2007,” said de Villiers. “I sympathise with the people of Pakistan because they have been cricket-starved for no fault of theirs, but I am optimistic that the days are not too far when international cricket will return to Pakistan. Due to prior family commitments, I will only be available till the last group-stage game.”
Commenting on the development, PCB chairman Ehsan Mani said: “We appreciate the decision of A.B. de Villiers and look forward to welcoming him to the home of Pakistan cricket. I am sure his appearance will attract new fans, and more eyeballs will follow the PSL.”
Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2019
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