LAHORE: Amid hopes for the soon full resumption of the international cricket in Pakistan, World XI skipper Faf du Plessis and coach Andy Flower vowed on Monday for a successful T20 series against their hosts.

Du Plessis, the current South Africa captain who is touring Pakistan for the first time, while addressing a press conference alongside Flower, said: “We are here to play cricket for something bigger than the game itself. You always try to do things to help you leave your mark and this visit is like one of that sort of the opportunity.

“It is a big honour to be here as we are playing cricket for a big cause and as a professional sportsman, many factors played their part. Money is one of it, but for this tour what really convinced me was that you want to leave your footprint on the game. So once Andy [Flower] shared his idea, I realised that in a few years’ time when I will sit with my family, this [tour of Pakistan] is something I can be really proud of,” he said.

Du Plessis also thanked the people of Pakistan for giving his squad a warm welcome, and added he was feeling proud of leading the World XI in the three-match T20 series against Pakistan, which starts from Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, Flower the World XI is playing a role in the resumption of topflight international in Pakistan.

“We celebrated Pakistan 70th Independence Day and it is great privilege for me that we are playing part in revival of Pakistan cricket,” the former Zimbabwe skipper said. “The World XI wishes to express sympathies and condolences for all those families who have lost their loves in various terrorist acts in Pakistan, a factor that dissuaded teams from playing here in this great cricketing nation.

“This all clearly showed cooperation amid cricketing countries for Pakistan, which could not hold international cricket since 2009, but even in this background, Pakistan became the top-ranked Test side last year and recently won the ICC Champions Trophy. These are amazing efforts and they reflect how much talent is there in this country.

“We hope to play entertaining cricket and will go back with happy moments and leave behind a legacy of cooperation that would helped Pakistan to build its cricket future,” Flower further remarked. “World XI comprises some most respected cricketer of this generation and all these cricketers have received grand applause of appreciation and the support from the people of Pakistan for their decision to come to Lahore to play cricket.

“These players are playing their part for safe and steady return of international cricket to Pakistan.”

Flower recalled he had cherished moments of his previous tours to Pakistan back in 1993, 1996 and 1998.

Meanwhile, du Plessis, who is one of five South African players in the 14-member World XI squad, said: “This tour is more about personal choices [made by those who agreed to play here], but the decision to bring national teams to Pakistan rests with the boards as I have no authority.”

Du Plessis said Pakistan, lead by Sarfraz Ahmed, are much stronger and have edge over the visitors and his team must get accustomed to the local conditions quickly to be competitive in the series.

He said team which would play better on the day would win the series.

Flower, who was entrusted the task of picking the World XI squad, admitted his team is well balanced and picking players was not an easy job since the ICC Future Tour Programme (FTP) was the first priority for both the players and the boards.

“In putting the side together is big job when important series of the FTP commitment are taking the preference, so selecting this side and finding the availability of the players and with specific quick bowlers who are freely available are something difficult. But we put together really a good side; we have good bowlers who could put Pakistan under pressure. We will offer Pakistan a good challenge in the series,” he vowed.

Earlier, the World XI arrived at the Pearl Continental Hotel under strict security arrangements made by the provincial government.

In the evening, the visitors also held a practice session at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The second match will be played on Wednesday before the short series concludes with final game on Friday.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2017