Former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers will be playing the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). De Villiers will play two matches in Lahore for Lahore Qalandars on March 9 and 10. Stating that he has a role to play in international cricket return to Pakistan, the veteran cricketer maintained that he would be available only for the group stage games, due to family commitments. In November last year, Mr. 360 had signed up to play only seven league games in UAE. However, on Monday, he announced a change in plans.
AB de Villiers confirms Lahore return for PSL 2019 pic.twitter.com/Jf1IQzAucz
— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) January 14, 2019
As quoted in ESPNCricinfo, ABD said, “I am delighted to confirm that I will represent Lahore Qalandars in front of our home crowds on 9 and 10 March, during the HBL PSL 2019. I look forward to revisiting the Gaddafi Stadium and aim to play my part in helping Lahore Qalandars achieve something they have been aspiring for since the inception of this tournament in 2016.”
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The PCB expects that the visit of one of the most sought after batsmen in modern-day cricket will give some confidence to their stance that Pakistan can now host top-flight cricket and it remains “as a safe and secure country to play in as any other place in the world”.
Talking about the same, De Villiers further added, “I am fully aware that cricket is like a second religion in Pakistan. I still remember the support and appreciation we received in 2007. Furthermore, I feel I have a role to play in helping international cricket return to Pakistan. I sympathize with the people of Pakistan because they have been cricket-starved for no fault of theirs, but I am optimistic that the days are not too far when international cricket will return to Pakistan and the stadia will once again be packed with crowds.”
The tournament will move to Pakistan on March 7 and will see Lahore and Karachi host three and five matches, including the final, respectively.
