LAHORE: Pakistan batting legend Zaheer Abbas has welcomed England’s arrival to the country for the first time since 2005 for a seven-match Twenty20 International series which begins in Karachi on Tuesday.

“It gives me great joy to see England touring Pakistan after 17 years and I hope fans will enjoy the series,” Zaheer, who recently recovered from serious health problems, told Dawn from London.

The 75-year old informed he was discharged from the hospital a couple of weeks back after suffering from serious kidney problems.

Zaheer added that Pakistan’s recent form in the shortest format of the game was commendable and he was hopeful that Babar Azam’s men will take full advantage of home conditions against an England side which includes a number of fresh faces.

England captain Jos Buttler is also a doubt for the first few games of the series.

“Buttler is one of the finest T20 players and England will surely miss him as they have a number of uncapped players in their squad,” added Zaheer.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2022