Sri Lankan Cricket Team to play 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is in Pakistan this year
Sri Lanka will return to Pakistan after a nearly two-year absence for three short-form cricket games: ODIs and the T20Is that are to be played from 27 September to 09 October, this year.
According to the original programme, Pakistan was scheduled to host Sri Lanka for two World Test Championship matches in October before Sri Lanka return for three ODIs and three T20Is in late December. The decision to swap matches was made following a ‘phone discussion between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Ehsan Mani and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President, Shammi Silva.
Sri Lanka cricket team will arrive in Karachi on 25th September, where it will play three ODIs on September 27, 29 and October 02 and Lahore will host three T20Is on October 05, 07 and 09 after which the visitors will fly back to home on 10th October.
PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani was of the view that PCB is pleased with the outcome of its discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket, which has supported Pakistan in its efforts and endeavours for the complete revival of international cricket. The tour for limited-over matches will also provide Sri Lanka with an even better understanding of the ground situation before discussing schedule of the Tests.
“The upcoming matches will end the long await of the Pakistan cricket fans and supporters to watch modern day stars from both sides live in action. This is something that will contribute immensely to our revamped domestic cricket structure."
The hosting of the ICC World XI, a T20I against Sri Lanka , three T20I series men’s and women’s series against the West Indies and eight HBL PSL 2019 matches within the past couple of years is a testament to Pakistan’s claim that it is a safe and secure country to play cricket.
He further said,
“We are very grateful to Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva, his board and players for responding positively to our request to play matches in Pakistan. The PCB looks forward to welcoming the Sri Lanka cricket team and assure them that they will be as well looked after as any other international sides of the past.”
While SLC President, Shammi said that the PCB and SLC have a long history of cricket relationship and friendship, and this decision only strengthens that bonding. The SLC is committed to playing its role in the promotion of cricket and looks forward to visiting Karachi and Lahore for three ODIs and three T20Is.
“The SLC security experts had visited the two cities earlier this month and had given a positive report, which made our job of decision-making easy. The safety and security of its players is the responsibility of the SLC, which it takes very seriously."
Limited-Overs Series Schedule (Revised):
- Sept 27th: First ODI, Karachi
- Sept 29th: Second ODI, Karachi
- Oct 2nd: Third ODI, Karachi
- Oct 5th: First Twenty20, Lahore
- Oct 7th: Second Twenty20, Lahore
- Oct 9th: Third Twenty20, Lahore
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