The Pakistanis celebrated the return of international cricket at home with the arrival of players from seven countries for a tournament.
The World XI squad players from England, Australia, West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and New Zealand arrived in Lahore early on Monday amid tight security to play a three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan.
Pakistan, which organised the series in a bid to revive international cricket at home, has only hosted Zimbabwe for a short, limited-overs series in 2015.
The years-long pause began in 2009, when gunmen attacked the Sri Lankan national cricket team bus in Lahore, wounding several of the players and killing six policemen and a driver.
Pakistan produced a superb performance by winning the ICC Champions Trophy and the players deserve the opportunity to display their class at home venues."
Ramiz Raja, another former Pakistan test cricketer and now television commentator, also celebrated the return of international cricket at home.
"These might be baby steps before some giant steps are taken. For now, let's back this to the hilt," he said.
 Top officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board, including its chairman Najam Sethi, welcomed the players at the airport.