The upcoming World XI tour to Pakistan will surely help in revival of international cricket in the country, believes the Former skipper and renowned commentator Ramiz Raja.

The three-match T20 Independence Cup is scheduled to be played between World XI and Pakistan.  The first two T20Is will be played on September 12 and 13, and the final game will be played on September 15 at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Raja wrote in a column for the International Cricket Council (ICC) "So, when a World XI is announced to tour Pakistan, it is just not a cricket tour. Given the circumstances, it can never be just that. It signifies that the cricketing fraternity will not let Pakistan be left behind,"

"The tour by the World XI will hopefully lead to a resumption of a regular international cricket calendar in Pakistan. Credit must go to the players and the ICC for braving perceptions and possible personal pleadings by family and friends to look at the larger picture. The larger picture being - you need us, we need you. That is the only essential for cricket to survive," he said.

"Pakistan made a strong case for bringing world cricket back home by playing impressively out of the home. Wins in the UAE, rising to No.1 in Tests, two successful editions of the PSL, and a frustrating-to-a-magical run at the ICC Champions Trophy - take a bow Pakistan!" he said.

"Without playing at home in front of passionate fans, no idols to watch live at home for youngsters, lack of lucrative sponsorships and players battling their own mental demons- Pakistan was determined to ride through all these storms and more and see through the resolve of getting cricket back home. The efforts paid off," the former captain added.

"The tour by the Zimbabwe team in 2015 and the successful final of the PSL this year at Lahore were fledgling signs that the cricketing world was opening up to Pakistan again. The PSL exposed the international fraternity to the frustration and helplessness of the Pak players, especially the young apprentices, who were being wronged by a situation which was neither of their choice nor their making," he added.

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