World XI stars grace Peshawar Zalmi reunion in Lahore

Sammy, Tamim reunite with their Zalmi teammates during historic Pakistan-World XI tour

By
Faizan Lakhani

Updated Thursday Sep 14 2017

LAHORE: World XI stars Darren Sammy and Tamim Iqbal reunited with their teammates from Pakistan Super League 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi at a luncheon hosted by the franchise’s chairman on Wednesday.

Javed Afridi invited Zalmi captain Sammy and his team to a grand lunch, which was attended by Peshawar Zalmi players based in Pakistan and reignited fond memories from the PSL.

Zalmi chairman Javed Afridi with Hashim Amla and Darren Sammy at the reunion 
Hashim Amla and Mohammad Hafeez at the reunion 

In his message, Javed Afridi stated that the World XI tour to Pakistan was a big step to revive international cricket in Pakistan. He thanked Zalmi stars Sammy, Dawid Malan, Chris Jordan and Marlon Samuels for their support during a difficult time, highlighting how their arrival for the PSL final in Lahore paved the way for further international cricket in Pakistan.

Zalmi batsman Mohammad Hafeez shares a light moment with Javed Afridi 
Peshawar Zalmi captain Darren Sammy shakes hands with Mohammad Hafeez during the reunion 
Peshawar Zalmi opener Tamim Iqbal with teammate Kamran Akmal and others at the luncheon

Sammy said he was very happy to be part of the World XI and the Peshawar Zalmi reunion was like the icing on the cake. “We did really well as a team in PSL 2 and we are looking forward to playing in PSL 3,” he said.

Peshawar Zalmi opener Tamim Iqbal deep in conversation with teammate Kamran Akmal
Darren Sammy with Zalmi coach Muhammad Akram 

Along with Sammy, the ‘Zalmi Express’ Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Tamim Iqbal and coach Muhammad Akram also attended the event.

Peshawar Zalmi pacer Hasan Ali being presented with team souvenirs at the event 
Hasan Ali pictured at the luncheon 

Hashim Amla, Andy Flower, Waqar Younis, Imad Wasim, Babar Azam and Umar Amin were also present at the occasion.

Pakistan will face the ICC World XI in the T20 finale at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on September 15. The series is levelled at 1-1. 

Umar Amin, part of Pakistan squad for Independence Cup, shakes hands with Javed Afridi 
Peshawar Zalmi's Wahab Riaz being presented with team souvenirs 
Peshawar Zalmi's Kamran Akmal being presented with team souvenirs