International Cricket Council’s (ICC) World XI players arrived at the Haj Terminal of Lahore’s Allama Iqbal Airport amid tight security in the wee hours of Monday morning.
The World XI team — currently comprising 13 members, with the exception of Samuel Badree — departed from the airport to their hotel at Mall Road. Badree is expected to arrive later in the evening.
Upon arrival, Andy Flower — the coach of World XI — said he was hopeful to play a good series against Pakistan.
“It’s great to be here; we’re looking forward to seeing a lot of you watching the great cricket we put on the show,” said Flower.
“We’ve had a warm welcome. Thank you very much,” he added.
The 14-member ICC World XI side — led by South Africa’s Faf du Plessis — is scheduled to play three T20 matches in Lahore on September 12, 13, and 15.
Tickets for the first match of the much-awaited Independence Cup — slated to be held on September 12 — have already sold out, although fans are trying their best to get their hands on the tickets for the second and third matches.