The ICC World XI got a rousing reception from a sell-out crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as they arrived for the first of the historic three-match T20I series against Pakistan.
The much awaited event signals the return of international cricket to Pakistan in a significant way after years of isolation.
There was a celebratory atmosphere in the stadium as fans queued up hours in advance to secure tickets as the Independence Cup got underway under massive security-surveillance.
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Australia's Ben Cutting is all smiles as Morne Morkel looks on as the players enter the stadium in their unique transportation
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Paul Collingwood, David Miller, Tamim Iqbal and Thisara Perera blend in with the celebrations
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World XI skipper Faf du Plessis takes in the sights ahead of the first T20I
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South Africa's Imran Tahir is clearly loving cricket being back in his country of birth
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Security guards keep a close eye on proceedings outside the stadium
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Some Pakistan fans brought out the fancy-costumes as they celebrated the return of international cricket
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The match was a sell-out affair as Pakistani fans from all corners of the country came out to support the team
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Pakistani batsman Babar Azam (R) plays a shot
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World XI batsman Tamim Iqbal (R) plays a shot as Pakistani captain and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmad looks on
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World XI cricketer Imarn Tahir (C) celebrates with teammate Darren Sammy after dismissal of Babar Azam
