Batsman AB de Villiers, who is heading Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing edition the Pakistan Super League, has said he cannot wait to visit the historic city of Lahore for the later part of the event. Terming Lahore's Qadhafi Stadium as one of his favourite grounds in the world, AB de Villiers said, "I have some great memories of Pakistan. 2007 was the last time we were there, we visited Karachi, Lahore, Multan, we went everywhere and we played some really good cricket."

AB de Villiers said, "I can't wait to walk out there again and play in one of my favourite grounds in the world. I remember scoring some runs there, and I can't wait to score again."

It may be noted that the Lahore's Qadhafi Stadium is set to host Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United match on March 9, Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans on March 10 and Eliminator 1 on March 12. AB de Villiers said, "I'm part of a fantastic team. The Lahore boys are really great human beings, there's some really good talent. We've won only one out of three games so far, but it's a long tournament. We are looking to take things forward from the Sharjah leg onwards now."

De Villiers, who is captaining Lahore Qalandars after Mohammad Hafeez was ruled out due to a thumb fracture, said he has an easy group of guys to work with. "It makes selection meetings quite difficult, because of so much talent here."

Lauding the Qalandars' player development programme - a grassroots effort to discover and groom young talent countrywide, de Villiers said the programme was already reaping rewards. "It's a fantastic initiative, and they are reaping the rewards. It's great to give back to those not as privileged. The talent that really wants to [make it] will come through."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019