Tamim off to Lahore

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal was scheduled to fly for Pakistan last night to represent Bangladesh in a World XI team against the hosts.

The World XI will play three Twenty20Is for the Independence Cup against Pakistan in Lahore on September 12, 13 and 15.

The matches are being staged with the aim of ending Pakistan's isolation in international cricket, triggered after militants attacked the visiting Sri Lankan team's bus in Lahore in 2009. Last March out-of-favour Bangladesh opener Anamul Haque visited the country to play the Pakistan Cricket League final.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed was excited about the arrival of international cricketers in Pakistan.

"It's very good news for Pakistan cricket that the World XI will be coming to Pakistan and I have the full belief that they will come to Pakistan and play cricket in front of these fans. It's a very good sign that the World XI, and maybe even Sri Lanka, will be coming here and it shows that they are also recognising Pakistan for winning the Champions Trophy. I expect that it will be a very successful tour and after this tour the doors for world cricket in Pakistan will be opened," Sarfaraz told local media yesterday.

"My message to them is that it will be the same as when they play anywhere else in the world. Pakistan is a safe country for cricket and they will also be accorded full security and hopefully they will enjoy their time here," he added.

Pakistan paceman Mohammad Amir echoed his captain's sentiments.

"The World XI is coming and people in Pakistan love cricket a lot. We haven't been getting international cricket so this is a big opportunity for the fans to come and see their stars, world stars and national stars, and come to the ground and support both teams. I am very excited because I will play my first international match in front of my fans. I think it will be the best moment of my life," said Amir.