World XI visit to Pakistan only after go-ahead from govt.: PCB

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan has asserted that the World XI cricket team's visit to Pakistan will be given a go-ahead only after getting security clearance from the federal government.

In the wake of a successful Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been planning to send World XI to Pakistan for a four-match T20 series later this year.

It is learnt that ICC Task Force chairman Giles Clarke is keen on bringing the team to Pakistan in September.

"I am grateful to Mr Giles Clarke, who is taking keen interest in resumption of international cricket in Pakistan. He wants to bring World-XI to Pakistan. After receiving a go-ahead from the government, the PCB will move forward on his plan," Dawn quoted Shaharyar as saying.

The PCB chief added that Clarke had earlier proposed that he wanted to bring a Commonwealth team to Pakistan last year but it was not possible for the cricket board to finance the expensive trip.

Asserting that the World XI tour would help resume international cricket in Pakistan, Shaharyar insisted that they would try to make the best possible use of the tour.

Clarke, in his email message to Shaharyar, had congratulated him for staging successful PSL final in Lahore.

"Many congratulations on successful staging of PSL final. A tremendous achievement by the PCB and wonderful determination. Our congratulations to you all and to the Punjab government, army and police. Very well played. We will be there in September. Warmest wishes," Clarke said.

The World XI cricket team, which will visit Pakistan, is expected to assemble in Dubai on September 17 before they will head to Lahore for four matches on September 22, 23, 28 and 29.

Confirming the news, PSL chairman Najam Sethi also said that the international cricket would be returning to Pakistan, however, adding that the details regarding the series are tentative.

Najam also announced the decision via his Twitter account, saying that the PSL final in Lahore amid tight security has opened the door for international cricket in Pakistan.