With just one month to go for the start of the Pakistan Super League 2019, South African star and former captain AB de Villiers has confirmed he will tour Pakistan for the Lahore Qalandars’ matches scheduled in the country. Stating that he has a role to play in international cricket return to Pakistan, the 35-year-old maintained that he would be available only for the group stage games, due to family commitments. In November last year, de Villiers had signed up to play only seven league games in UAE. However, on Monday, he announced a change in plans.
A special message from our mentor and player @ABdeVilliers17
“Main Lahore A Raha Hun” 🤩#DamaDamMast #MainHoonQalandar pic.twitter.com/Ye8j65Jwxl— Lahore Qalandars (@lahoreqalandars) January 14, 2019
“I am delighted to confirm that I will represent Lahore Qalandars in front of our home crowds on 9 and 10 March, during the HBL PSL 2019,” de Villiers said in a press release.
I look forward to revisiting the Gaddafi Stadium and aim to play my part in helping Lahore Qalandars achieve something they have been aspiring for since the inception of this tournament in 2016,” ESPNcricinfo quoted him as saying.
“I am fully aware that cricket is like a second religion in Pakistan. I still remember the support and appreciation we received in 2007. Furthermore, I feel I have a role to play in helping international cricket return to Pakistan. These have been some of the motivating factors for me to return to Lahore,” de Villiers added.
“I sympathise with the people of Pakistan because they have been cricket-starved for no fault of theirs, but I am optimistic that the days are not too far when international cricket will return to Pakistan and the stadia will once again be packed with crowds,” he concluded.
