Former Pakistan cricketers have heaped rich praise on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for allowing the senior national team to tour Pakistan for a historic Test series, starting December 11.
Pakistan are gearing up to host a Test series for the first time in more than 10 years. 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.
Pakistan were playing their ‘home’ Tests at neutral venues in the United Arab Emirates over the last 10 years. Pakistan have been trying to convince cricket boards to visit the country for a Test series but there were no positive developments. Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and a World XI team toured Pakistan in the recent past for limited-over series.
Would like to thank Sri Lanka: Afridi
“I would like to thank the Sri Lanka cricket board for sending their team for the Test series, and I also want to thank the PCB for their efforts in ensuring the series takes place in Pakistan. It’s due to the PCB’s untiring efforts and resolve that Test cricket is being restored in the country,” Shahid Afridi said.
“Countries and boards must always support each other. In the past we have stood firm with Sri Lanka in all our cricket commitments and I am happy they have reciprocated our support.”
A great occasion: Mohammad Yousuf
Hailing the arrival of the Sri Lankan cricket team, former captain Mohammad Yousuf said he is delighted for fans who will be seeing their heroes in action at home.
“It is indeed a great occasion, Pakistan is a sporting nation and we love cricket. Sri Lanka team coming to Pakistan for Test matches is a big achievement and fantastic news for cricket fans who can see their heroes play in front of them,” Yousuf said.
“I have some wonderful memories of playing cricket in Pakistan, I really hope this series will turnout well and we will see some good quality Test cricket which will be enjoyed by all.”
We will never forget Sri Lanka Cricket gesture:Â Shoaib Malik
All-rounder Shoaib Malik came up with a heartfelt message, thanking the SLC and the Sri Lankan players for agreeing to visit Pakistan for the Test series.
“I must thank the Sri Lankan team and the Sri Lankan Board for taking this step and playing an instrumental role in bringing international cricket back to our country and to our people. We will never forget, may that time never come, but Inshallah you will find us hand in hand with Sri Lanka and their people in times of need,” Malik said.
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).
