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By Muhammad Asif Khan
Karachi: Former Pakistan coach, Richard Pybus has hoped that the upcoming tour of the World XI would break the ice and pave the way for more international fixtures in Pakistan.
“Fantastic news it is not only for the global cricket community but for the people of Pakistan as well. They will absolutely be over the moon with this key first stage in the re-introduction of international cricket in the country”, Pybus said in a video message from Cape Town, South Africa.
Richard Pybus, from South Africa, coached Pakistan cricket team in three short spells from 1999 to 2003.
Under his guidance the Pakistan team played the final of the World Cup in 1999, while, in 2003, the green-team suffered an early exit from the mega event.
On a question about the significant presence of the South African players in the World XI, Pybus said that these players understood the tough situation of Pakistan better than others.
“I think, the large number of South African players (in the World XI) is partly due to the scheduling and also the fact that these players really understand some of the broader changes typically faced in Africa and Asia”, Pybus opined.
“It’s a wonderful first step. Two thumbs up to the ICC and Giles Clarke for getting it over the line. I wish everybody concerned an absolute very best”, Pybus concluded.
The World XI, under Faf Du Plessis, are scheduled to play three T20I games in Lahore on September 12, 13 and 15.
The other members of the squad are Hashim Amla, Samuel Badree, George Bailey, Paul Collingwood, Ben Cutting, Grant Elliott, Tamim Iqbal, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Tim Paine, Thisara Perera, Imran Tahir and Darren Sammy.