Whirlwind day for the ICC World XI in Lahore ahead of historic T20I against Pakistan

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  • Sarfraz Ahmed and Faf du Plessis jointly display the Independence Cup.

    The star-studded ICC World XI have had quite a day after touching down in Lahore for the historic three-match T20I series against Pakistan.

    The 14-man squad, led by South Africa’s Faf du Plessis, arrived in Lahore airport after their flight from Dubai in the early hours of Monday morning.

    The collection of international cricket stars picked for the Independence Cup clashes against the hosts had conducted a two-day training camp in Dubai in preparation for the series.

    The squad which arrived amidst massive security, checked into a local Lahore hotel upon their arrival but there was not much rest to be had for Du Plessis and the team coach, Andy Flower.

    Faf du Plessis and Andy Flower unveil the World XI playing jersey.

    Faf du Plessis and Andy Flower unveil the World XI playing jersey.

    The two were on hand to jointly address a press conference conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in the afternoon. The conference was also addressed by PCB Chairman Najam Sethi and ICC administrator Giles Clarke.

    The media interaction saw the reveal of the playing jersey for the World XI which was followed by the unveiling of the Independence Cup trophy where Du Plessis was joined by his Pakistan counterpart Sarfraz Ahmed.

    After the media formalities in the afternoon, the World XI squad returned to the Gaddafi Stadium for a three-hour practice session in the evening as they familiarized themselves with the local conditions.

    Former England international Paul Collingwood could not contain his excitement at taking part in the historic contest as he took to Instagram to share a training video.

    The Englishman had earlier alluded to the warm welcome shown by the Pakistan supporters in a separate Instagram post.

    The all-rounder compared the feeling to being a little kid on Christmas and he was clearly enjoying his time back on the cricket pitch.

    The much awaited series sees the return of international cricket to Pakistan after years of isolation following the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.

    The two sides will play the first of the three T20Is on Tuesday at the Gaddafi Stadium where all the matches are scheduled to take place.

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