World Cup winning former captain Arjuna Ranatunga has welcomed the return of test cricket in Pakistan and is happy that his country has come forward to support the neighbor.
Pakistan are gearing up to host two match series against Sri Lanka for the first time in more than 10 years, with first test starting from tomorrow. Notably, Sri Lanka were the last team to visit Pakistan for Tests in 2009. Test cricket went out of the scene following the militant attack on a Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009. After that, Pakistan were playing their ‘home’ Tests at neutral venues in the United Arab Emirates over the last 10 years.
“I am happy that Sri Lanka is playing test series in Pakistan. Our players have shown a big heart by going for the five days encounter there, which is a true format is my opinion and I am confident that it will help Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to convince other international teams to come and play. It is our turn to support Pakistan Cricket and I am happy that we are playing the longest format there” legendary captain, who changed ODI cricket forever with World Cup triumph in 1996, told Cricket Age.
On the eve of the first test, Ranatunga recalled how Pakistan helped Sri Lanka during the 1996 World Cup, when Australia and New Zealand refused to come and play due to LTTE threat.
“Sri Lanka Cricket will never ever forget that gesture of Pakistan team. They showed the world that Sri Lanka and Pakistan shares a close bonding and it helped us also to lift the standard of our game in the mega event” Iconic captain added.
Not only Pakistan, Ranatunga louded India’s efforts also to help Sri Lanka.
“Like Pakistan, India have also been helpful from the beginning. I can never forget that when we were progressing as a test nation, India sent legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammad Azaharuddin in the test side. That helped Sri Lanka immensely to learn by following these legends work ethic and dedication towards the game” he added further.
Notably, Sri Lanka visited Pakistan for a 3-match ODI and T20I series earlier this year. Some of the top names, including Lasith Malinga and Angelo Matthews, refused to travel to Pakistan, citing security fears but Sri Lanka have sent a full-strength team for the upcoming Test series.
The two Tests will be played in Rawalpindi (December 11 to 15) and Karachi (December 19 to 23).
