T20 superstar AB de Villiers has today pledged that he will take part in the PSL games played in Pakistan for Lahore Qalanders. These will consist of two group games played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium against Islamabad United and Multan Sultans. It will be the first time the South African has played in Pakistan since 2007, when he was part of the South African touring side.

In a statement, de Villiers said: “I am delighted to confirm that I will represent Lahore Qalandars in front of our home crowds on 9 and 10 March, during the HBL PSL 2019.

“I look forward to revisiting the Gaddafi Stadium and aim to play my part in helping Lahore Qalandars achieve something they have been aspiring for since the inception of this tournament in 2016.”

Other South Africans have played in Pakistan in recent times. Fellow countryman and South Africa men’s captain Faf du Plessis led an ICC World XI side that played a three-match T20I series in Lahore against Pakistan. That side also included South Africans Hashim Amla, Morne Morkel, David Miller and Imran Tahir.

International cricket didn’t take place in Pakistan for six years after the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked by gunmen in Lahore in May 2009. Sri Lanka nation returned for the first time in October 2017 for a one-off T20I while Zimbabwe in 2015 and West Indies in 2018 have been the only other national sides to tour Pakistan since. However, sides have been more persuaded to travel to the country since the successful staging of the PSL’s 2017 Final and 2018 Eliminators and Final. This year, eight PSL matches will be played in Pakistan, spread across Lahore and Karachi.

De Villiers said he felt a responsibility in helping bring international cricket back to Pakistan. “I am fully aware that cricket is like a second religion in Pakistan,” he said. “I still remember the support and appreciation we received in 2007. Furthermore, I feel I have a role to play in helping international cricket return to Pakistan. These have been some of the motivating factors for me to return to Lahore.

“For the Lahore crowds, it will be a great opportunity to watch this generation’s cricket genius live in action. I am sure they will turn up in great numbers to support de Villiers as well as Lahore Qalandars and their opponents.”

The competition starts on 14 February in Dubai and will be played across five cities after Abu Dhabi will host matches for the first time. The opener will be a contest between de Villiers’ Qalanders and defending champions Islamabad United.

The tournament will move to Pakistan on 7 March, where three matches will be played in Lahore and five in Karachi, including playoffs and the final.