LAHORE – The eight-year long wait for international cricket on home ground comes to an end today (Tuesday) with a match between International Cricket Council’s World XI and Pakistan.
People from all fields whether they are wrestlers, labourers, executives, etc. are excited to watch an international-level match at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore which is going to start at 7pm.
The enthusiasm level among the nation can be gauged through the selling of the tickets as all the tickets for first match had been sold out days ago.
According to local media, cricket lovers have started heading towards Lahore from different parts of the country wearing traditional dress and dancing at drum beat. The stadium will be open for cricket fans by noon.
Roads have been decorated with the pictures of international players with welcome phrases.
Security
In order to overcome any untoward situation, four-layer security has been planned around the stadium. Around 6000 police officials including 19 police SPs and 45 DSPs will perform duties.
At all entry points, the officials will check the national identity cards and tickets of the people and will allow them to enter after proper clearance. Besides police, troops of other law enforcement agencies will also be deployed.
Shuttle Service
The administration has set up parking stands at Barkat Market, Liberty, FC College and at other places. Around 38 buses have been arranged to provide shuttle service to people between parking stand and stadium. Staff has been deployed at parking stands.
Trophy Unveiling
The newly designed trophy for the upcoming Independence Cup was unveiled here on Monday.
Sarfraz Ahmed, the Pakistani skipper, while speaking to the media after the trophy unveiling ceremony, said they were prepared for the matches. “Our responsibility has increased after winning the Champions Trophy.”
However, he expressed excitement over played the tournaments, saying the teams of World XI are good.
When asked who his favourite player was, Sarfraz said just like many others he too liked South African player Hashim Amla.
World XI Reached Pakistan
World XI players reached Lahore early Monday to contest a series for Independence Cup. The players were received by Pakistan Cricket Boar (PCB) head Najam Sethi and other officers at Allama Iqbal Airport.
Squad
World XI
David Miller, Morne Morkel, Tim Paine, Thisara Perera, Imran Tahir, Darren Sammy, Hashim Amla, Grant Elliott, Samuel Badree, George Bailey, Tamim Iqbal, Paul Collingwood, Ben Cutting, Faf du Plessis (C).
Pakistan
Sarfraz Ahmed (C), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Umar Amin, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Fahim Ashraf , Hasan Ali, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Amir, Rumman Raees, Usman Khan, Sohail Khan.
