Series with Pakistan more than a game of cricket: Faf du Plessis

CAPE TOWN: Faf du Plessis, the captain of the ICC World XI team set to tour Pakistan next month, believes that the series between World XI and Pakistan is more than just a game of cricket.

Talking exclusively to Geo.tv in Cape Town, du Plessis said it is great for him to be part of the iconic event in Pakistan.

“The tour is about bringing international cricket to Pakistan. It is much more than just us visiting Pakistan. It is about Pakistan as a country and Pakistani cricket,” said du Plessis, who is likely to be named South Africa’s ODI captain soon.

“We will be glad if we can play a small role to make sure that cricket is played there [Pakistan] because there are so many fans who are desperate to see cricket at home,” he said. “Lots of young fans don’t have the opportunity to watch live cricket at home.”

The 33-year old batsman from South Africa said he toured Pakistan previously with South Africa’s U19 team to witness an empty stadium, but he expressed high hopes of seeing a full house during the upcoming series.

He also hoped for a good contest between the two teams.

“I am looking forward to a houseful and hoping that the World XI can give a tough time to Pakistan,” he said.

“Teams playing the series understand that this is an iconic event for Pakistan cricket. It is about getting fans back to stadiums...we are going there to bring them [fans] back and that’s the most important thing,” added the South African.

Du Plessis, who has represented South Africa in 113 ODIs, 36 T20Is, and 43 Tests, said he’s as excited as any cricket fan in Pakistan and looks forward to meeting everyone in Pakistan.

The ICC World XI team is set to tour Pakistan in September. Led by du Plessis, the team will play three T20Is in Lahore on September 12, 13, and 15 respectively.