Pakistan vs World XI: We are part of something more important, says Darren Sammy

New Delhi, Sep 11: Veteran West Indies cricketer Darren Sammy is a part of the World XI squad that has arrived in Lahore to play three T20I games against Pakistan.

The former West Indies captain and compatriot Samuel Badree, another T20 specialist, are the players from the Caribbean to participate in the series that aims to resume international cricket in Pakistan.

Sammy, before leaving for Lahore from Dubai, said all the World XI players are aware they are part of something more important than just themselves.

"We have a reason, a greater cause," said Sammy.

"Everybody here has accepted that they are part of something more important than just their selves. To me, it's a place where I have a great connection and going back there, like I said through the PSL [Pakistan Super League] final, to bring cricket back to Pakistan, if we can be part of history, a greater purpose, it's a wonderful opportunity," added the former Windies skipper who led them to two ICC World T20 titles.

Sammy also talked about his connection with Pakistan as he led Peshawar Zalmi to a maiden PSL title in Lahore, earlier this year.

The all-rounder shared his experience about his stay in Pakistan with his new team-mates.

"I did brief them quickly about my experience in Lahore for the PSL final," revealed Sammy. "We've had the best security team, who have also briefed them. Like I said before, it's important. To get an opportunity after so long, they are all happy to be part of that process.

"The first thing I said to guys after the PSL final - apart from all the security and the protocol - once I stepped on the field, it felt like playing in St Lucia. That is my honest experience - the crowd was just hungry for cricket, to see their icons and role models play in the game. That is what it felt like. That is what I briefed the players when the coach [Andy Flower] asked me about my experience."

Sammy said this series could play an important role in bringing international cricket back to Pakistan, which is the sole intention behind hosting the series.

"I believe Sri Lanka and Windies are also planning to travel to Pakistan, and if the government, the security agencies and cricket authorities there can keep the momentum going, it won't be long before we have full-fledged tours there."

Ben Cutting, George Bailey, and Tim Paine will become the first Australians to tour Pakistan in nearly 20 years. The last time an Australia side visited Pakistan was in 1998-99.

Cutting said he was looking forward to enjoying the experience. "I haven't played a lot of international cricket in the past couple of years, let alone at all," said Cutting.

"So to play under the banner of a World XI against a team like Pakistan, in Pakistan, is pretty exciting. I'm not going to take it too seriously. I'm going to enjoy myself, and hopefully, that pays off in performances," he added further.

The World XI side, led by South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, landed in Lahore in the wee hours on Monday (September 11).

An unprecedented security greeting the side at the Allama Iqbal International airport took the players directly to their hotel.