Independence Cup has been a huge success and it has instilled a sense of hope among Pakistanis. The cricket-deprived nation has been longing to see their national heroes playing in front of them for a very long time.
The three-match Independence Cup, which ended with a 2-1 victory for Pakistan, can prove to be a turning point for country’s cricket. The real winner, however, was nothing else but cricket and peace.
14 players from 8 different countries gathered in Pakistan for a cause greater than cricket and had nothing but positive words to say about Pakistan and its people.
Let’s see what they had to say about their experience in Pakistan.
Faf Du Plessis
The World XI Captain, Faf du Plessis loved Pakistan’s hospitality. The Proteas Captain said that his fondest memory of Lahore will be its tasty food.
“Best memory of Pakistan I’ll take back would be tasty food I had here”, he said.
Arrived safely back home .Thank you Pakistan and Lahore for your hospitality ✌🏻 pic.twitter.com/EI11mU34o9
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) September 17, 2017
Paul Collingwood
Former England Captain, Paul Collingwood, loved his stay in Lahore and appreciated the security arrangements. He said,
It was a week I’ll never forget.
Earlier, the Champions Trophy winning captain said that he loved every bit of the World XI tour.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZD1n6plsj-/
Ben Cutting
Aussie all-rounder, Ben Cutting, was overwhelmed by the prospect of cricket returning to Pakistan.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZIW6jBlf4N/
Darren Sammy
Pakistan’s heartthrob, Daren Sammy makes fans wherever he goes and he already has a huge fan-following in Pakistan due to his visit to the country for PSL 2 Final. He says, its been a pleasure visiting Pakistan.
Always a pleasure https://t.co/yJHXE0c0rA
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) September 16, 2017
David Miller
Explosive South African batsman, David Miller, enjoyed his stay in Pakistan and thanked Pakistanis for their support.
Thank you Pakistan for looking after us.. Had a super time. A lot of laughter over last 5days. Till next time.👍 #cricketkihalala #PAKvWXI
— David Miller (@DavidMillerSA12) September 16, 2017
Grant Elliot
Kiwi all-rounder, Grant Elliot said that he will be going back with a lot of memories.
Time to fly and leave Lahore on @emirates. Great group of team mates and proper memories. Thank you Pakistan #cricketkihalala #PakVsWXI pic.twitter.com/05Vd0L4zrn
— Grant Elliott (@grantelliottnz) September 16, 2017
He was also the one who said going to Lahore will feel like going home.
Thisara Perera
Sri Lankan all-rounder, Thisara Perera, who won the second match single-handedly, thanked the Pakistanis for the support and love.
All the love and support that I got from the amazing people in Pakistan 🇵🇰 reminded me that I'm so blessed .It felt amazing ❤️ Thank you
— Thisara perera (@PereraThisara) September 16, 2017
Andy Flower
World XI Coach, Andy Flower, praised the Pakistani food saying,
“The food at the ground was great, the food at PC was excellent, and we were very well looked after on the food front”.
Final Remarks
The good thing about the Independence Cup and the players’ views on such a momentous cricket series are being covered by the local as well as international media which bodes well for Pakistan’s cricketing future.
The positive impressions that Pakistani crowd has had on these players will help improve the country’s image all over the world.
Pakistan is a Great & Peaceful Country ( Hamay Mouqa to Do Mehmaan Nawazi Ka Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi)