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Twelve cricketers from Afghanistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United States and the West Indies are expected to arrive at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport in the next day and a half. They form the International World XI team that will play two Twenty20 matches against the Pakistan Stars XI at the National Stadium in Karachi this weekend. The two matches are being jointly arranged by Sindh Sports Minister Dr. Mohammad Ali Shah and supported by the local administration of Karachi to revive international cricket in Pakistan.
This is the second attempt by Bangladesh to allow fans back into stadiums to watch international cricketers in action after their tour was cancelled earlier this year due to safety concerns. While all the players in the World XI may not be stars of their time, they have achieved enough to be well known among cricket lovers. In contrast, Pakistan’s Star XI does have some big names in its lineup, including captain Shahid Afridi, former captains Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik, as well as young members of the national team Umar Akmal, Nasir Jamshed, Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam, Shahzaib Hasan and bowlers Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz.
The format chosen by the organisers for this tournament is popular with the crowds and ticket prices have been kept affordable to ensure full stadiums. If all goes to plan, we will have two thrilling (albeit officially meaningless) T20 matches to keep the crowds going.
However, having a team of former players take on local stars in an informal series is not quite the same as having an ICC-recognised Test team take part in an official series. So what would it take to make the return of international cricket a reality?
Should the Pakistan Cricket Board organise similar tournaments and series?
Could tours for the women’s, A-level and under-19 teams help the cause?
How long will it be before Pakistan fans can cheer on their team against a Test side at home?
Dawn.com invites readers to share their views and opinions…
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