Shoaib Malik optimistic to get victory against World XI

LAHORE: Former Pakistani skipper Shoaib Malik on Sunday said that the competition will be tough and exciting as the national squad would face a team comprising players around the world.

“World XI is a strong team but our confidence is high,” Malik said while talking to media persons on the sidelines of a training session at Gaddafi Stadium here.

Appearing optimistic, Malik said that the players are going to play at their home ground and would not disappoint.

“Our players will demonstrate good performance as they have been playing domestic cricket, [so] they are well trained,” he added.

However, he opined that senior players need to guide the youngsters.

In a reply to a question that majority of the players have not played international games at home, Malik said that the upcoming three-match Twenty20 (T20) series is a good opportunity for new players to prove their mettle.

The three-match T20 series is scheduled to begin here on September 12, the star-studded World XI players are all set to arrive from Dubai on September 11.

The match referee and former West Indian batsman, Richie Richardson, had already here yesterday (Saturday). He will officiate at three-match T-20 series between Pakistan national team and World XI, which will be played at Gaddafi Stadium on September 12, 13 and 15.

Other international players have also started reaching Dubai from where they will depart for Pakistan on Monday (tomorrow).