PCB confirm World XI series

A World XI made up of players from all top Test nations has been confirmed to play a three-match T20I series in the Pakistan city of Lahore in September.

After much speculation surrounding the possibility of the series, the Pakistan Cricket Board finally confirmed the news, having received approval from the Punjab Government over levels of security to be afforded the touring party.

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The playing group will be coached by former Zimbabwe batsman and current ECB's director Andy Flower, who also selected the squad, and is scheduled to head to Dubai for a week-long camp before flying to Lahore, with the series to begin on September 10.

"World XI is coming to Pakistan and this is confirmed," said PCB chairman Najam Sethi, of a concept that had been heavily supported by his predecessor in the role, Shahryar Khan.

"I have all the names, but will announce them in a day or two. All top players will come."

Sethi added that "the world XI tour will be followed by a visit by Sri Lankan team" thought to be for either one or two T20I matches, while reports today stated West Indies would tour in November for a three-match T20I series, as hopes rise that regular international cricket might slowly be returning to Pakistan.

Only Zimbabwe and Afghanistan have toured the war-torn country since a Sri Lanka squad bus was attacked by gunmen in March 2009 in Lahore.

Michael Clarke was at one point linked with the World squad, however the former Australia captain refuted those claims.

It remains to be seen which current Australian players will be available for the series, with Steve Smith's squad set to head straight from the conclusion of the Bangladesh Test series to India for five ODIs and three T20Is in India.