Visiting Lahore feels like going home, says Grant Elliott

0
176
New Zealand's Grant Elliott tosses a ball during a practice session a day ahead of the ICC Twenty20 2016 Cricket World Cup semi-final match against England, at the Feroz Shah Kotla cricket stadium in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, March 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal)

ISLAMABAD: Former New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott, who is part of the World XI squad touring Pakistan for a three-match T20 series next week, is looking forward to going to Lahore which he says already feels like home.

“I have never been to Lahore so I’m really looking forward to that. I suppose, going to Lahore will feel like I am going home,” Elliott told cricket forum Pakpassion.net.

The cricketer, who also represents Pakistan Super League franchise Lahore Qalandars, said it is exciting to be playing cricket in Pakistan while also making a difference and playing a small part in bringing cricket back to Pakistan.

“I hope that we are potentially taking a small step towards bringing international cricket back to Pakistan at some stage,” he said.

The 38-year-old said he is hopeful that the Pakistan Cricket Board would be able to provide the same level of security as provided at the PSL final at the Gaddafi Stadium earlier this year.

“These matches in Lahore will be a step or perhaps the turning point for international cricket to return to Pakistan,” he remarked.

The World XI will play three T20s against Pakistan for the Independence Cup at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on September 12, 13 and 15.