It's more than a game: Faf
A World XI squad comprising 13 players from seven top cricket-playing nations landed in Lahore early Monday amid massive security, with Pakistan hoping the tour will end years of international isolation.
Officials have said there will be "foolproof" security for the three-match Twenty20I series starting Tuesday in Lahore.
The World XI's tour of Pakistan is more than just a game, captain Faf du Plessis and coach Andy Flower said.
South Africa's du Plessis told reporters in Lahore it was a "huge honour" to be playing the highest-profile event in cricket-mad Pakistan since a militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.
Pakistan have not hosted top-level international cricket -- barring five limited-over matches against minnows Zimbabwe in 2015 -- since that attack, which killed eight people and injured seven players and staff.
"It's not every day you get an opportunity to play in something that is much more than just about yourself and your own team or your own country," du Plessis said.
World XI coach Andy Flower, who toured Pakistan in 1993, 1996 and 1998 with Zimbabwe, said he and his team were "privileged" to be there.
"We, as the World XI, would also like to offer our sympathy and condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones in terrorist acts in Pakistan," he said.
"These cricketers are here to play their part in the safe and steady return of international cricket in Pakistan, so that the enthusiastic and diehard fans and followers of Pakistan cricket can once again start watching their stars in their own backyard."
Du Plessis said he was confident in the security arrangements.
“You do think about that sort of thing, but as soon as we spoke to the people who were in control of the security... as a player all you want was that peace of mind and they gave it to us."
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