Star batsman AB de Villiers is hoping to show the world that is it safe to play cricket in Pakistan after giving the green light to play two Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in the country in the upcoming edition.
The South African, who is due to represent Lahore Qalandars in the league, delighted cricket fans in the country by recently making himself available to play the franchise’s two matches scheduled to be held in Pakistan on March 9 and 10.
International cricket has been at a standstill in Pakistan ever since the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009. With his commitment towards the Pakistan leg of the tournament, de Villiers is set to become one of the most high-profile international names to play in the country in recent years.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the former Proteas international revealed that he is hoping to create a massive impact by lending his presence to the two back to back clashes which will take place at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore.
“I felt that I had this opportunity to maybe make an impact to help international cricket return to Pakistan,” the star batsman said.
🥁 🥁 🥁 The #DamaDamMast T20 star AB de Villiers is coming to Lahore to play back to back matches at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) January 14, 2019
Jee Aayan Noo @ABdeVilliers17. #KhelDeewanoKa
More details 👉 https://t.co/H0ig7qGRJW
“I was reluctant to go a few years back, when we were all a bit worried, but I feel the time is right to go back there.
“I’m hoping to go there and have some fun and show the whole world that Pakistan is safe to travel to again.”
The South African had shocked the cricket world earlier this year by announcing his premature retirement from international cricket. While the prospect of lifting a maiden World Cup with the Proteas in England this summer is an enticing one, de Villiers feels his decision to retire is the correct call.
“I feel I’ve made the right decision to retire,” he stated.
“If they do approach me – and I don’t think that will happen – we’ll have a conversation and I’m pretty sure that I will be staying over here and supporting the team.”
The fourth edition of the PSL gets underway in the UAE on February 14 with as many as eight matches set to take place on Pakistan soil this time around.
