ZIMBABWE cricket team players yesterday took to Twitter to thank their hosts for the warm welcome after their arrival in Pakistan in the early hours of yesterday morning to become the first Test nation to visit the subcontinent nation for a bilateral cricket series in six years.
BY DANIEL NHAKANISO
According to reports from Pakistan, the Zimbabwean delegation landed at the Allama Iqbal International Airport amid extensive security with thousands of policemen deployed along the 14km route from the airport to the hotel.
The team, comprising 16 players, nine team officials and five board officials, was flanked by a large convoy of police commandos after they were received by Pakistani ministers and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials.
Zimbabwean players expressed optimism ahead of the two Twenty20 Internationals and three one-day internationals (ODIs) starting on Friday.
All-rounder Sean Williams thanked the Pakistan people for the warm welcome before adding that he was looking forward to playing in front of sellout crowds expected at the matches.
“Safe and sound in Lahore, time for rest and training begins tomorrow,” Williams (@sean14williams) said soon after arrival. “Thank you to all Pakistan supporters for their support shown to the Zimbabwe cricket team. Looking forward to full stadiums and tight games,” he said.
Middle order batsman Craig Ervine (@Craig_Ervine77) also expressed his views on the tour.
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“Appreciate the huge support from Pakistan. I know u will make us feel welcome, comfortable in your country!”
Pakistan-born batsman Sikandar Raza (@SRazaB24) also took to Twitter to express his enthusiasm for the series.
“We have been welcomed with open hearts, smiles and love from people of PAKISTAN! May Allah bless both nations and their citizens.”
Opening batsman, Chamu Chibhabha (@chamulaw), who is one of the few players who last, toured Pakistan with the national team eight years ago said he was glad to be back in the subcontinent nation.
“2007 was the last time I was in Pakistan, been too long feels good to be back,” he said.
