De Villiers to play in Lahore after 11 years

South Africa’s T20 maestro AB de Villiers will play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) this year when he turns up for the Lahore Qalandars. It will be the first time that De Villiers will be in Lahore since 2007 when South Africa toured Pakistan.

"I am delighted to confirm that I will represent Lahore Qalandars in front of our home crowds on 9 and 10 March, during the HBL PSL 2019," said de Villiers, who played a Test and three ODIs at the venue during the 2007 tour. "I look forward to revisiting the Gaddafi Stadium and aim to play my part in helping Lahore Qalandars achieve something they have been aspiring for since the inception of this tournament in 2016."

The move is likely to boost the Pakistan’s security profile with international cricket making a return to the country following Sri Lanka playing a lone T20 match last year.

"I am fully aware that cricket is like a second religion in Pakistan," he said. "I still remember the support and appreciation we received in 2007. Furthermore, I feel I have a role to play in helping international cricket return to Pakistan. These have been some of the motivating factors for me to return to Lahore.

Last year, a host of international players, led by South Africa’s Faf du Plessis, his countrymen Hashim Amla and David Miller, plus Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal and Australia's George Bailey featured for a World XI side that played Pakistan in a three-match T20 series.