Lahore: Today Pakistan will play its 1st T20 match against Zimbabwe in Qaddafi stadium. This match will bring cricket back in Pakistan. As international cricket was banned in Pakistan since 2009 when the Srilankan team was attacked by militants
After that attack, Pakistan became a no-go area for International cricket and its domestic matches were being played in UAE upon which PCB spends more than $120 million. Cricket comes home when Zimbabwe team agreed to play a series of 2 T20 and 3 one day cricket matches in Pakistan.
This tour also became difficult due to the terrorist attack in Karachi but Zimbabwe team did not change its decision and they announced to visit Pakistan despite severe security threats, They also mention to play all the matches according to schedule, Zimbabwe team arrived Pakistan on 19 May as reported earlier.
PCB and Government arranged full proof security for the guest team. While celebrities from Pakistan will also join the stadium as audience. PCB and Haier launched stylish t-shirts for celebrities with their names printed to promote the series and their brand. Bohemia, roxen band, soch are also among the personalities with t-shirts of their names.
There are special and colorful arrangements for the opening ceremony of International cricket in Pakistan, Famous singers Aini, Shahzad Roy, and Ali Zafar will entertain the public with their songs.
Teams:
The players of the teams are given below, who will Peaceful today for the victory of their nation.
Pakistan Team: Shahid Afridi (captain), Sarfraz Ahmed, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Mukhtar Ahmed, Noman Anwar, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Rizwan, Anwar Ali, Hammad Azam, Imad Wasim, Bilawal Bhatti, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Sami
Zimbabwe Team: Elton Chigumbura (captain), Sikandar Raza, Chamu Chibhabha, Charles Coventry, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, Roy Kaia, Hamilton Masakadza, Christopher Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Richmond Mutumbami, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Sean Williams
Umpires: Ahsan Raza (PAK) and Shozab Raza (PAK)
TV Umpire: Ahmed Shahab (PAK)
Match Referee: Azhar Khan (PAK)
Time: PST 07:00 PM
