Our confidence is high, says Shoaib Malik

LAHORE: Former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik said on Sunday that the World XI is a strong team but "our confidence is high". 

He was talking to the media on the sidelines of a training match at Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the three matches Pakistan plays with the World XI next week. 

"Our players play domestic cricket so they are well trained," he said, adding that Gaddafi is their home ground so they will not disappoint. 

"Senior players need to guide the youngsters," he said further.

Replying to a question that majority of the players have not played international games inside the country, Malik said, "This is a big opportunity for new players to play in front of their own people. Those feelings can’t be described in words". 

Independence Cup to open doors for int’l cricket in Pakistan: Mickey Arthur

'We are also focusing on World Cup 2019, said the Pakistan coach while talking to Geo News

In reply to another question, Malik said it is too early to talk about the 2023 World Cup as well as the 2019 World Cup.

Earlier on Sunday, Head Coach Mickey Arthur said the Independence Cup will open gates for international cricket in the country, adding that Pakistan wants to win the series.

Arthur said that the series against the World XI is very important for the Pakistani side and they are not taking the other side lightly at all.

“We are also focusing on World Cup 2019,” said Arthur while talking to Geo News.

Pakistan team to begin training for World XI tour today

National cricket camp all set to start at the Gaddafi Stadium from today

The tickets for the much-awaited Independence Cup’s first match on September 12 have sold out, although fans are trying their best to get their hands on the tickets for the second and third matches.

The Bank of Punjab’s 20 branches will remain open today from where tickets can be bought for matches two and three on September 13 and 15.

Meanwhile, Sarfraz XI and Imad XI are playing a practice match today to prepare for the Independence Cup.

On Thursday, 13 players from the national squad for the series arrived at the camp in Lahore.

The World XI squad, captained by South Africa's Faf du Plessis, will arrive in Pakistan on September 11.