Invite World XI to play in Pakistan - Wasim Akram

[natalia]

Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan captain, has suggested the PCB invite a World XI to play matches in the country in order to ease the security concerns of international teams. With teams reluctant to tour Pakistan, Akram felt the board needs to find a "viable solution" to the problem, which is "not going to go away soon".

"We should give priority to inviting a World XI if no country is willing to send teams to Pakistan," Akram told PTI. "If we offer good money to international cricketers from different countries they will come and this will go a long way in showing the world that it is safe to play cricket in our country."

Recently, the ICC decided not to stage the Champions Trophy in Pakistan after several countries expressed reservations about touring. The event, scheduled for last year, had been postponed in light of security concerns. Australia also cancelled their proposed tour of the country in 2008, and are likely to play the ODI leg of the tour in April at a neutral venue.

Akram said the board could try organising its own Twenty20 league on the lines of the IPL and try to attract players to take part. However, he felt the PCB needed to show focus. Recently, Javed Miandad stepped down from his position as director-general. "Although the PCB is run by former cricketers I don't see a sense of direction but I think we should give them some time. They should also avoid personal feuds and make a good system and follow it," he said. "All board officials must realise no one person can enjoy or have absolute powers. Major decisions must be taken collectively and that is how a good company is run."

Akram hoped Younis Khan succeeds as Pakistan captain, making up for the inadequacies of his predecessor Shoaib Malik. "I don't think only Sri Lanka series decided Malik's fate. I think his performance and attitude on and off the field also caused him dearly. I think he had lost the confidence of senior players and I hope Younis Khan will prove himself as a good leader."

Akram advised Younis to keep his calm in leading the side, especially when things went against the team. Akram, who led a Pakistan team to India in a breakthrough series in 1999, said the Pakistan players who have been presently barred from travelling to India for the IPL should be permitted to take part in the tournament if the Indian government gives an assurance about their security.

@ Cricinfo

[Bouncer]

Great idea wasim bhai.....Its hard to get teams like NZ to tour Pak and you are suggesting to get a world 11, that will have top players from all the teams to come to pak for world 11.....sure they would love to come to pak.

Wasim Bhai has made a habbit of releasing one statement per week....regarless of if it makes any sense or not!

[natalia]

I think the "World XI" Akram is talking about will most probably turn out to be something a team full of Indian and Sri Lankan players

[Amjid Javed]

Nice idea but cant see it happening!

[david_becks]

World XI including players from uganda,zimbabwe,india,sri lanka,bangladesh,nepal,afghanistan,somalia?

[Inswinger]

Throw in a million buck to the winner. That will make them come.

[Harambe]

Originally Posted by david_becks World XI including players from uganda,zimbabwe,india,sri lanka,bangladesh,nepal,afghanistan,somalia?

What makes you think players from even India will participate?

India will be the last country to join in this mela.

It will stop right at the 1st step -- Clearance from Govt.

[Muhammad]

ICL World XI will come for the right price, I'm sure of that.

[Amjid Javed]

"ICL World XI will come for the right price, I'm sure of that."

Thsts true some players would sell their motors for the right price ;)

[david_becks]

Originally Posted by Amjid Javed "ICL World XI will come for the right price, I'm sure of that." Thsts true some players would sell their motors for the right price ;)

lol motors

Good job muhammed haha

[waqar_ahmad]

Originally Posted by Inswinger Throw in a million buck to the winner. That will make them come.

exactly, remember how Pieterson's side went to India to "defeat terrorism"

[Inswinger]

Originally Posted by david_becks lol motors Good job muhammed haha

Thats what AJ had intended to type anyway. The extra letter was a typo.

[Saqlain_doosra]

World XI = sri lankan, Bangladesh, zimbabwe canada.

[pjkilla]

Originally Posted by Bouncer Great idea wasim bhai.....Its hard to get teams like NZ to tour Pak and you are suggesting to get a world 11, that will have top players from all the teams to come to pak for world 11.....sure they would love to come to pak. Wasim Bhai has made a habbit of releasing one statement per week....regarless of if it makes any sense or not!

LOL

silly idea wasim bhai, even if certain players are willing to come, the board is likely to say no

[david_becks]

Originally Posted by Inswinger Thats what AJ had intended to type anyway. The extra letter was a typo.

Nope.

[Zaz]

Nope wont work Top players from western world wont come and Pak cant afford to tempt them

Problem will be all top class players will be from Bangla, India, Sri Lanka
and the players from western world will be all 2nd rate

PCB will be made laughing stock again

[Mohsin]

How is this a stupid idea, pleas enlighten me?!

Errrr he isn't saying a World XI with Ponting, Smith, Styen as well as other TOP TOP international (Western) players. There are so many players who are on the fringes of various teams who would absolutely LOVE a chance to play cricket against international opposition!

You've got Bangladeshi players (Ashraful, Saqibul Hassan and Mortaza) and Sri Lankan player’s defo involved. A few New Zealander's who are on the fringes of the team (i remember a players saying he'd have no problem if NZ called him up for the CT as he wants to make a case for playing for NZ etc etc)

Just get a few players from around the world, a little bit of money with the chance of showing their respective cricket boards of their talents and you will have your World XI!

[Saj]

"If we offer good money to international cricketers from different countries they will come

That sentence says it all - you offer enough money to some cricketers and they will play where there is a civil war going one. Oh hang on, thats exactly whats happening with the Champions Trophy isn't it ?

[IronMan2009]

Will Leverock play?

[12thMan]

The best buy for the tournament will be Zaheer Khan

[crichassan]

The question is how much $$ will PCB give to the world XI players.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by crichassan The question is how much $$ will PCB give to the world XI players.

They should be charging them as they may get to play with Zaheer Khan