Pakistan vs World XI - Saudi Arabia July 2005

[Sultanzz]

Pak, World XI to lock horns in Saudi Arabia next month

KARACHI: A series of three one-day matches will be played between a Pakistan eleven and the World eleven in the Saudi Arabian cities of Riyadh and Jeddah on July 15, 21 and 22, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif announced on Sunday.

Latif told ‘The News’ from London that the original programme of having a series of matches between Pakistan and Indian elevens had been changed because the BCCI had not given permission to the organisers for release of its players.

The organisers, which include a leading Saudi company and local cricket officials, had planned to host three matches in late June with the clearance of the PCB.

Latif said that the organisers had now signed fresh contracts with players to play for the World eleven while the majority of the Pakistan players had also given their consent to play in the three matches in July.

The organisers signed contracts with South African players Mark Boucher, Andre Nel, Lance Klusener, Jacques Rudolph, Neil McKenzie, A B DeVilliers and Herschelle Gibbs; New Zealanders Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Jacom Oram and Daniel Vettori; former Indian pacer Javagal Srinath and Australian Andy Bichel to play for the World eleven.

Latif said the Pakistan eleven would be picked from amongst Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan, Imran Nazir, Abdul Razzaq, Moin Khan, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Sami, Asim Kamal, Shoaib Malik, Arshad Khan, Salman Butt and Shabbir Ahmed.

"Shoaib Akhtar is also likely to feature in one or two matches depending on his commitments for Worcestershire but he has said he is keen to play in Jeddah," he said.

Latif announced the matches after talking to the PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan and getting his clearance for the matches.

Latif said it was also true that part of the funds raised from these matches would be used for development purposes at the Rashid Latif Cricket Academy (RLCA) in Karachi which is under construction.

http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jun20.../sports/s3.htm

[AsifTheManRahman]

saudi arabia? awkward venue eh? good to see the saudis are also joining in...cricket should spread.

[Sultanzz]

Not really. Because its a Saudi Sponsor, and some local cricket officials in Saudi Arabia, so its obvious that they'd like to hold matches in there own country, which would also promote Saudia's image, and possibly give boost to local cricket.

But, Saudis are hooked onto soccer.

[tiger_man]

dont think average saudis understand much of cricket

these middle eastern countries have a tendency to hire indians and pakistanis in their national team to play for them....

[James90]

I'm really sick of all these World XI wannabe teams. The tsunami game at the MCG was awesome and hadn't been done for a while, since then there's been heaps of these games recruiting old has-beens.

[BanCricFan]

How come there is no one from BD & SL??

[Sultanzz]

Originally posted by tiger_man
dont think average saudis understand much of cricket

these middle eastern countries have a tendency to hire indians and pakistanis in their national team to play for them....

Thats true. But there's a huge Pakistani population in Saudi Arabia, it'll be good entertainment for them. Plus, holding Intl matches can encourage cricket in Saudi Arabia.

It'll be fun to watch this match.

[naheyan]

Man for the first time such a big cricket even in Riyadh and i will b in dhaka.damn.....
Man i rememba how was the ituation when Imran khan came here.......
and now.klusener.............DAMMMMMMMMNNNNNNN.
why do we have to go on a vacation?????By the way they r gonna have a tough time playin here.......its HOT!

[ajithlalm]

I think the matches of World XI played against international team should be given international status...

So that the runs scored by the players and World XI team will be entered into the books...

It is nice to see cricket played in different nations...Thus the globilization of the cricket will increase... Hope these cricket are shown in television also...

Can anyone tell if these games are telecasted in television by any chanels ?

[jabbar]

They should rename it :
Pak XI vs. South African + "Has been" XI