Former Pakistan T20i captain Shahid Afridi. Photo: File

LAHORE: Flamboyant all rounder and former t20 skipper Shahid Afridi said on Monday that inclusion of Indian players in the World XI team for Independence Cup would have given a good message to the world and sports can resolve disputes.

In an interview to BBC, Afridi said that the visit of World XI players for Independence Cup is an important development for the return of international cricket to Pakistan; he gave the credit to Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Najam Sethi and his team for their efforts to being international cricket back in the country.

He added that the people of Pakistan love cricket and they want to see international cricketers playing in front of them.

Get to know the World XI

Meet the 14-member star-studded World XI team, led by South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis

Pakistan welcomes World XI as international cricket comes home

The 14-member World XI side ? led by South Africa's Faf du Plessis ? will play three T20 matches against Pakistan

The former skipper said that the cricket grounds in the country were not being utilized properly from last eight years.

International Cricket Council's (ICC) World XI players arrived at the Haj Terminal of Lahore's Allama Iqbal Airport amid tight security in the wee hours of Monday morning. The team ? currently comprising 13 members, with the exception of Samuel Badree ? departed from the airport to their hotel at Mall Road. Badree is expected to arrive later in the evening.

Upon arrival, Andy Flower ? the coach of World XI ? said he was hopeful to play a good series against Pakistan.

"It's great to be here; we're looking forward to seeing a lot of you watching the great cricket we put on the show," said Flower.

"We've had a warm welcome. Thank you very much," he added.

The 14-member ICC World XI side ? led by South Africa's Faf du Plessis ? is scheduled to play three T20 matches in Lahore on September 12, 13, and 15.

Tickets for the first match of the much-awaited Independence Cup ? slated to be held on September 12 ? have already sold out, although fans are trying their best to get their hands on the tickets for the second and third matches.