After what feels like a somewhat lull in cricket zest across Pakistan, the Monday arriving forth is set to unfold a thrilling week of dashing sport for the country. A three match T20 series is set to take place as Pakistan take on World XI in Lahore’s tremendous Gaddafi Stadium. After ten years, international cricket is at long last back in Pakistan. The World XI squad are a bundle of venerated players from seven countries and will be a breath of fresh air amidst security concerns that gripped the nation.
The World XI team, led by former Zimbabwe coach Andy Flower arrived in Lahore earlier in the morning
World XI arrival in Pakistan #CricketKiHalalala #PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/AAcqYyTQmm
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) September 10, 2017
The team arrived amidst tight security, with thousands of deployed guards settling around the players’ hotel and Lahore
Players of World XI arrives at the hotel in Lahore. #PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/NbcGQfc3fq
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) September 10, 2017
Cricketers have expressed their delight over coming to Pakistan
George Bailey is looking forward to playing in Pakistan for the first time and hopes young Pakistanis are inspired by their heroes #PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/GWFVxltGfC
— ICC (@ICC) September 11, 2017
And have come together for a hopeful future of cricket in Pakistan
"We have a reason, a greater cause", says @darensammy88 on the #WorldXI's tour of Pakistan. READ: https://t.co/Ua45JmxB86 pic.twitter.com/lIFBblXwW6
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) September 11, 2017
It will be the first time in almost ten years that international cricket is returning home, and boy oh boy does it feel good
Pakistanis welcome the World XI, as international cricket returns home after 10 years.#ThankYouWorldEleven
— Raza Mehdi (@SyedRezaMehdi) September 11, 2017
Pakistan’s bhaabi Shaniera Akram was ecstatic as she made her way to Lahore for the series
Heading to Lahore for the Exciting World XI. And to the international cricketers participating in our event- a huge Welcome to Pakistan ?? ?
— Shaniera Akram (@iamShaniera) September 11, 2017
As was our boy Waqar Younis, who’s pumping adrenaline is evident in his tweet!
Enroute 2 Lahore 4 #PAKvWXI I'm going pick up from where I left more than 8years ago. Join me tomorrow night and let's make history! ?????
— waqar younis (@waqyounis99) September 11, 2017
Ace commentator Ramiz Raja too can’t contain his excitement
#PAKvWXI Cricket is in the air .. can smell it feel it…Pakistan r u ready to bounce and make some noise..
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) September 10, 2017
Pakistanis are prepping for the thrilling T20 series
Excitement, passion, love for cricket at its peak as WorldXI tours Pakistan.#ThankYouWorldEleven
— Kamran Shabbir ?? (@kamranshabbirks) September 11, 2017
And Lahore is set to light up, with roads blocked and detours arising out of the match
MALL ROAD and CANAL ROAD Lahore is block for World XI cricket team. Use alternative ways to avoid inconvenience. #Lahore
— Lahore Lahore Aye (@LahoreLahoreAy1) September 11, 2017
The matches will be held at The Gaddafi Stadium
The Gaddafi Stadium Lahore is getting ready to host the Independence Cup between World XI and Pakistan. First game tomorrow at 7pm PST.
— Voice Of Pakistan (@UsmanMohmandPk) September 11, 2017
And it’s already a step ahead as it adorns itself with appropriate advertising
Lahore welcomes the World XI squad to Pakistan #Cricket #PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/GcTgthbjos
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 10, 2017
Inside the stadium – well that’ s a whole different ball game…
Home is where the heart is. #cricketkihalalala #PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/GnC82uHRxt
— Imran Ahmad Khan (@imranahmadkh) September 10, 2017
While Cricketers have been training, the grounds have been having final checks as everything is put in order
Final preparations are underway for tomorrow's first clash between Pakistan and the World XI in Lahore.
? Gallery: https://t.co/cHzR4OcgyS pic.twitter.com/8USzED9YRX
— ICC (@ICC) September 11, 2017
The first match is on Tuesday the 13th, and final balances are being installed before the big day
The Gaddafi Stadium Lahore is getting ready to host the Independence Cup between World XI and Pakistan. First game tomorrow at 7pm PST. pic.twitter.com/WlDZqawlxD
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) September 11, 2017
Final preparations are underway for tomorrow's first clash between Pakistan and the World XI in Lahore!
#ThankYouWorldEleven pic.twitter.com/Ip6T8Gp1sA— Dua-e-Zahra (@Dua_Shaykh) September 11, 2017
Security will be incredibly profound, what with it being the first time after so long that international cricket is back
Pakistanis hail international World XI cricket series https://t.co/e8kykyVCGK pic.twitter.com/xdA53Td07a
— RR Diasih Setrawirya (@Andalu51a) September 11, 2017
Earlier, the trophy was unveiled too
Independence Cup 2017 T20I series #PAKvWXI trophy unveiling ceremony ? #cricketkihalalala pic.twitter.com/sOb0hx14xb
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) September 11, 2017
Oh, and welcome to the World XI Squad…
WorldXI squad to face Pak tomorrow #CricketKiHalalala #CricketComesHome#PAKvWXI pic.twitter.com/GBnCJnYopo
— Nayyab kayani (@KayaniNayyab) September 11, 2017
Are you excited about the series? It will be quite the tournament!