Ahead of the first ODI in Karachi, Sri Lanka skipper Lahiru Thirimanne said that the focus should be on cricket rather than security.
“Yeah, the security has been really good. It is first class. We did not have any problems. The facility is really good. The focus should be on cricket rather than the security. The boys are really focused and ready to go,” Lahiru Thrimanne was quoted as saying.
“We have a lot of youngsters. Most of them are under 25, they have played a lot of domestic cricket and they have represented Sri Lanka earlier. They do not have any pressure, they are fresh. We have a good chance if we play to our potential,” he added.
Pakistan are hosting their first ODI in more than four years.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had sought the assistance of the country’s government for a reassessment of the security situation in Pakistan.
On September 9, ten Sri Lankan players had chosen not to take part in the series in Pakistan, citing security reasons.
The players who opted out were — Lasith Malinga, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Thisara Perera, Akila Dhananjaya, Angelo Mathews, Suranga Lakmal, Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan to play three ODI matches at Karachi National Stadium on September 27, 29 and October 2.
After ODI series, Sri Lanka are scheduled to play three T20I matches on October 5, 7 and 9. Later, Sri Lanka will host Pakistan for two tests in late December.
