‘Pakistan safe for international cricket’: Elliott pays tribute to security forces

LAHORE: New Zealand’s Grant Elliott, part of the World XI squad on Pakistan tour, said he has found the security here to be “amazing” and the country is “safe for international cricket”.

“My experience here has been great so far. The security is amazing. All of us [players] feel secure,” he told Geo News in an exclusive interview ahead of the final T20 match of the Independence Cup.

“When we go from the ground to the hotel, it’s as safe as any other country,” the PSL heartthrob said, adding that he was elated to be finally playing cricket in Pakistan and loving it.

“It’s the only [cricket-playing] country I hadn’t been to, but now I can say I’ve played cricket in Pakistan,” he said, all smiles as he went on to share his experiences of the famous Pakistani hospitality.

“It is great. The hospitality, the support from the crowds at the ground. It’s nice to be here.”

Elliott expressed hope that Pakistan will soon be able to play Test cricket on home turf, adding that the World XI tour was a step towards restoring international cricket here.

“If security plans stay as good as this, other teams will also come here. Hopefully, Pakistan will play Test cricket at home again. It will be good for the children to see their heroes play,” said the former New Zealand all-rounder.