Karachi: This city will host a ODI for the first time in 10 years when Pakistan take on a depleted Sri Lanka here Friday, furthering the country’s revival in international cricket.
“History will be made on Friday when Karachi will host the first ODI,” said Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. “We must thank the Sri Lankan team for touring us.”
Teams have been reluctant to visit the cricket-mad country since a militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009. Although no players were killed in the attack, several were injured and eight people died.
The attack forced Pakistan to play all their ‘home’ Tests and most of their short-form games in the United Arab Emirates with Zimbabwe becoming the first team to return to Pakistan in 2015.
The current tour – comprising three ODIs and as many Twenty20s – has been tainted by the withdrawal of 10 Sri Lankan players who cited security fears.
Pakistan has put in place stringent security measures normally reserved for heads of state. All the arrangements are being led by the country’s military, with around 2,000 security personnel on alert at the team’s hotel and at the ground.
Sri Lankan skipper Lahiru Thirimanne – captaining the side after regular skipper Dimuth Karunaratne pulled out – is confident cricket will be in focus.
“The security has been really first class,” Lahiru Thirimanne said Thursday. “We didn’t have any problems. The facilities here are really good. Actually we are not allowed to go out from the hotel, so we did some get together and played some FIFA games and carrom.”
Thirimanne, the most experienced player in the squad with 125 ODIs, accepted the series would be difficult without so many key men.
“It’s a good challenge because 10 of our senior players are not here. First of all we must respect their decision because it’s not just personal. You have to talk with your families when you take this kind of a stand,” stated Thirimanne.
“Regarding the challenge we are getting here, I must say that Pakistan have named their best side so. So it is a good chance for our youngsters to showcase their talent,” added the Sri Lankan captain.
Sarfaraz Ahmed and fast bowler Wahab Riaz are the only Pakistani players who have played ODIS in Karachi before and they did so in 2008.
“I can’t wait for Friday,” said Sarfaraz, who took over as ODI captain in 2017. The remaining ODIs will also be played here Sunday and Wednesday. The two teams will also play three T20 games – all in Lahore, October 5, 7 and 9.
PTI