Grant Elliott Satisfied with Security Arrangements in Pakistan

Grant Elliott Satisfied with Security Arrangements in Pakistan

Grant Elliott, the only New Zealand representative on World XI's upcoming three-T20I tour of Pakistan, expressed his confidence in the security arrangements promised in Lahore by the hosts.

In an attempt to bring international cricket back to Pakistan, the local government has assured the players presidential-level security for the three-match series, due to begin on September 12. The ICC security unit too carried out a detailed inspection of the venue on August 26 and 27 as part of the vetting procedure.

Elliott said the players wouldn't have agreed if there was any element of doubt. "We get the reports from all the relevant agencies such as FICA (the Federation of International Cricket Associations) and independent security firms. 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," Elliott told New Zealand Heraldon Saturday (September 9).

Elliott empathised with the cricket-deprived audience of Pakistan. "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."

The three matches of the World XI series are to be played in Lahore, under lights, on September 12, 13 and 15. Each player is reportedly expected to receive around USD 135,000 for their participation. The team, featuring cricketers from seven Test-playing nations, will be led by South Africa's Faf du Plessis while Andy Flower has been appointed coach.

The series will only be the second instance of Pakistan hosting any international games in the country since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka team bus outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Zimbabwe marked the return of international cricket to Pakistan with a limited-overs tour in 2015. Nearly two years later, PCB successfully conducted the final of the second edition of PSL in Lahore, in March earlier this year.

Elliott, who has also been a part of Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalanders franchises, said he is also eager to see if any work opportunities come his way. "I'm also excited about some opportunities which might open up with the Lahore owners. They've just bought the Durban Qalanders franchise in South Africa, and I will be their assistant coach in November-December [for the inaugural T20 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."

Elliott, who led runners-up Warwickshire in the 2017 T20 Blast, said he is keen on continuing in the condensed format of the game. "The shorter format is something I'm still passionate about, so I may as well keep doing it. I thrived with the captaincy of the Bears towards the end. I enjoy helping younger guys achieve the pathways they want."