Delighted to see international cricket returning to Pakistan: Allan Donald

By
Faizan Lakhani
|

CAPE TOWN: Former South African bowler and one of the greatest fast bowlers the generation has witnessed, Allan Donald expressed his delight at the return of cricket to Pakistan.

Terming the deprivation of Pakistani cricket fans as “catastrophic,” the South African star said he hopes for a complete return of international cricket to Pakistan.

“I really feel gutted for the people of Pakistan being deprived and not watching international cricket at home, it is catastrophic actually,” Donald told Geo.tv in an exclusive interview in Cape Town on Sunday.

“Let’s hope that slowly but surely cricket is returning to Pakistan because it’s a tragedy that it is not happening,” he said.

The former South African bowler, who has over 600 international wickets to his credit, said that the tour by Faf du Plessis-led World XI team will be a massive boost for cricket in Pakistan.

“I know that du Plessis is taking a World XI team over there [Pakistan] pretty soon to play three T20s in Lahore,” he said. “It’s going to be massive and I am sure that tickets are going to be sold out soon.”

“I am happy that cricket fans will be able to see top cricketers in front of them,” he added.

Donald agreed that the matches will be an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its capability of safely hosting international events at home.

“I am looking forward to watching those three T20Is,” he said.

The former pacer also spoke about the launch of T20 Global League and hoped that it will support South African cricket.

“This was much needed for South African cricket,” he said.

“In 2013 at the Indian Premier League, I witnessed how Virat Kohli grew from a kid to a leader and a top cricketer he has become,” Donald remarked. “So, surely sharing the dressing room with top stars will help our youngsters grow as well,” he expressed.