Former South Africa star batsman AB de Villiers said he wants to help promote cricket in Pakistan as he announced he will play two matches for his franchise Lahore Qalandars in Lahore in the upcoming Pakistan Super League.

De Villiers will play two games on March 9 and 10, becoming the most high-profile international name to play in Pakistan since the attack on Sri Lankan players in Lahore in 2009.

The batting superstar was originally supposed to play only seven of Lahore Qalandars’ eight league matches in the UAE. However, De Villiers said on Monday that he will be available for the team’s final two league matches in Lahore.

“I am delighted to confirm that I will represent Lahore Qalandars in front of our home crowds on March 9 and 10, during PSL 2019,” De Villiers said. “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.

“I am fully aware that cricket is like a second religion in Pakistan. 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.

“I sympathise with the people of Pakistan because they have been cricket-starved for no fault of theirs, but I am optimistic that the days are not too far when international cricket will return to Pakistan and the stadia will once again be packed with crowds.”