AB de Villiers available for the Pakistan leg of upcoming PSL

The former South African batsman will be featuring for Lahore Qalandars at the Gaddafi Stadium.

De Villiers retired from International cricket last year | Getty

AB de Villiers has announced that he is willing to participate during the home leg of the forthcoming Pakistan Super League(PSL) season. The former South African batsman will be representing Lahore Qalandars at the historic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on March 9 and 10, respectively. 

"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 was quoted saying on Monday, January 14. 

"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."

The 34-year-old, who has played a Test and three ODIs in Lahore during Proteas' 2007 tour of the country, further said, "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."

"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."

"Due to prior family commitments, I will only be available till the last group stage game. I want to thank Lahore Qalandars for giving me an opportunity to represent them and I look forward to not only enjoying my time in the HBL PSL 2019 but also contributing in making it a stronger brand," he added. 

The fourth edition of PSL kickstarts in Dubai on February 14 before the tournament moves to Pakistan on March 7. Three games will be played in Lahore, while Karachi hosts five matches including the final on March 17. 

(Inputs from CricketNext)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 14 Jan, 2019

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