Pakistan plans to showcase to the cricketing world that its country is safe to host international matches by staging a three-match Twenty20 series this week against a World XI in Lahore.
International cricket bid adieu to Pakistan in 2009 when terrorists attacked a Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. Zimbabwe did tour for a short limited-over series two years ago but this World XI series is a major breakthrough for the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The successful hosting of the PSL final at Lahore earlier this year was the first step by PCB in this direction, giving confidence to host this series in collaboration with the International Cricket Council.
This is a long-awaited return of action for the cricket-starved nation and the PCB has high hopes from it. Also planned is a T20 against Sri Lanka in October and a three-match T20 series against the West Indies in November. The security clearance of those series will depend largely on the success of this series.
Under such circumstances, the context of the series outweighs the importance of a result. But, Pakistani players would be eager to win at home and gift the series to their fans.
A short training camp in Lahore should keep the Pakistan team in high spirits although fast bowler Mohammad Amir is a doubt for the series as he remains in England with his expectant wife.
The home squad is a mix of proven performers from the domestic and international T20 tournaments. Sarfraz Ahmed will lead a battery of hard-hitters in Fakhar Zaman Faheem Ashraf and Aamer Yamin while bowling will be led by the guile of Shadab Khan and the pace of Hasan Ali.
The 15 player squad for the World XI features representatives from seven test-playing nations captained by the South African national skipper Faf du Plessis. The squad is very strong with proven T20 performers like Samuel Badree, David Miller, Darren Sammy and Imran Tahir part of the team.
Led by former England coach Andy Flower, the World XI will hope to not just win the hearts with their gesture of coming for the series but also win the series.
The Gaddafi stadium has been given fool proof security for this series that sees return of cricket to Pakistan at a time when the ODI side has won the Champions Trophy giving them a chance to display their class at home venue.
Pakistan vs World XI Betting Tips
Pakistan start as favourites considering the talent on display from the hosts. At odds of $1.61 (bet365), they are primed to win the series.
Backing the World XI to win the series comes at odds of $2.30 (bet365) but considering the lack of cohesion they may have, it could be a tricky bet.
TIP: Pakistan to win the series - $1.61 at bet365
