Grant Elliott believes no corners will be cut when it comes to security
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Former New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott is confident that the necessary security measures will be put in place for the upcoming series between Pakistan and the World XI.
Elliott, who retired from international cricket in March, is the only New Zealand player in the World XI squad, which comprises of players from a total of seven different Test playing nations.
The series is likely to be the first stepping stone in bringing international cricket back to Pakistan as the country has not hosted any Full Member countries, except for Zimbabwe, since Sri Lanka’s team bus was attacked by armed militants in March 2009.
As a result, Pakistan have been forced to play all their home series in the United Arab Emirates, but with the World XI being guaranteed presidential-level security, Elliott is optimistic that everything will go smoothly.
“We get the reports from all the relevant agencies such as FICA (Federation of International Cricket Associations) and independent security firms,” Elliott told the New Zealand Herald. “You assess the risks involved and make a decision as a family. Of course the players are getting paid but, if no one felt safe, no one would be going.
“These are small steps in returning cricket to Pakistan on a more permanent basis. It’s sad for them that they never play at home. They always talk about it with such passion. I think we can expect enthusiastic crowds. Wherever you go there are risks, and being away from home for long periods is always tough on the family.”
Elliott featured in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) earlier this year as he represented the Lahore Qalandars. All the group stage matches and qualifying finals were held in the United Arab Emirates, but the final took place in Lahore.
Even though the Qalandars failed to make it to the final of the PSL, Elliott admitted that he is looking forward to reuniting with some of the Pakistan players he played with and against.
“I got to know a few people in Pakistani cricket when I performed pretty well in those tournaments,” he said. “I’m also excited about some opportunities which might open up with the Lahore owners. They’ve just bought the Durban Qalandars franchise in South Africa, and I will be their assistant coach in November-December [for the inaugural Global League].
“That doesn’t mean my playing days are over. I’m still keen to play, and have another year with the Birmingham Bears. I’ve just finished a successful tournament there.”
While Elliott will be the Qalandars’ assistant coach during the T20 Global League in South Africa later this year, the 38-year-old confirmed that he is still interested in featuring in domestic Twenty20 competitions.
“The shorter format is something I’m still passionate about, so I may as well keep doing it,” he said. “I thrived with the captaincy of the Bears towards the end. I enjoy helping younger guys achieve the pathways they want.”
Pakistan and the World XI will play three Twenty20s on September 12, 13 and 15.
World XI squad: Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Samuel Badree, George Bailey, Paul Collingwood, Ben Cutting, Grant Elliott, Tamim Iqbal, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Tim Paine, Thisara Perera, Imran Tahir, Darren Sammy