Pakistani police officers patrol in the vicinity of Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the World XI cricket series, in Lahore, Pakistan, Monday, Sept. 11, 2017. The series is aimed at reviving international cricket in Pakistan, since terrorists attacked the Sri Lanka cricket team bus in Lahore in 2009. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary) — Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

In pictures: Pakistan, cricket stars prepare for World XI series in Lahore

The star-studded series will take place under tight security and will be monitored by other cricket boards.
Published September 12, 2017

A strong World XI comprising 13 experienced players from seven top cricket-playing nations will face a rather young Pakistan team in the first of the three-match T20 series on Tuesday at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.

The series, dubbed as the Independence Cup, is seen as the gateway to return of international cricket to the country.

The star-studded series will take place under tight security and will be monitored by other cricket boards.

World XI cricketers George Bailey (R), Darren Sammy (L) and Grant Elliott (C) take part in a practice session at the Gaddafi Stadium.— AFP
World XI cricketers George Bailey (R), Darren Sammy (L) and Grant Elliott (C) take part in a practice session at the Gaddafi Stadium.— AFP

Pakistani cricketers exercise during a practice session at the Gaddafi Stadium on September 11.— AFP
Pakistani cricketers exercise during a practice session at the Gaddafi Stadium on September 11.— AFP

World XI skipper Faf du Plessis (L) and Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed are seen at Gaddafi Stadium.—Photo courtesy: PCB Twitter @TheRealPCB
World XI skipper Faf du Plessis (L) and Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed are seen at Gaddafi Stadium.—Photo courtesy: PCB Twitter @TheRealPCB

World XI cricketers Hashim Amla (L) and Imran Tahir (R) take part in a practice session at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.— AFP
World XI cricketers Hashim Amla (L) and Imran Tahir (R) take part in a practice session at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.— AFP

A policeman stands guard at the main entrance of the Gaddafi Cricket stadium in Lahore on September 12. — AFP
A policeman stands guard at the main entrance of the Gaddafi Cricket stadium in Lahore on September 12. — AFP

Security personnel escort a bus carrying World XI players as they arrive at the Gaddafi Stadium.— AFP
Security personnel escort a bus carrying World XI players as they arrive at the Gaddafi Stadium.— AFP

Police commandos take position as they escort a street on the arrival of World XI players for practice at the Gaddafi Stadium. — AFP
Police commandos take position as they escort a street on the arrival of World XI players for practice at the Gaddafi Stadium. — AFP

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmad (L) and World XI captain Faf du Plessis hold the Independence Cup trophy during a ceremony at the Gaddafi Stadium.— AFP
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmad (L) and World XI captain Faf du Plessis hold the Independence Cup trophy during a ceremony at the Gaddafi Stadium.— AFP

Policemen stand guard at the main entrance of the Gaddafi Cricket stadium on September 12.— AFP
Policemen stand guard at the main entrance of the Gaddafi Cricket stadium on September 12.— AFP

World XI team on their arrival in Lahore on Monday.— Photo courtesy: PCB Twitter @TheRealPCB
World XI team on their arrival in Lahore on Monday.— Photo courtesy: PCB Twitter @TheRealPCB

Pakistan's Shadab Khan stretches during the practice session.— Photo courtesy: PCB Twitter @TheRealPCB
Pakistan's Shadab Khan stretches during the practice session.— Photo courtesy: PCB Twitter @TheRealPCB

New Zealand's Grant Elliott (L) chats with Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik.— Photo courtesy: PCB Twitter @TheRealPCB
New Zealand's Grant Elliott (L) chats with Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik.— Photo courtesy: PCB Twitter @TheRealPCB