Pakistan’s lengthy wait for Test cricket action at home will be finally over in December when they take on Sri Lanka in a two-Test series, which is part of the ongoing World Test Championship. The first Test will be played from December 11-15 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi while the National Stadium in Karachi will host the second Test from December 19-23, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Thursday (November 14).
The last time Pakistan played a Test at home was in March 2009, against Sri Lanka, in Lahore. That game, however, was marred by the ghastly terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus. International cricket has been slowly regaining its footing in Pakistan since then, and the upcoming series will be a huge shot in the arm for PCB’s bid to restore international cricket played in the country to normalcy.
A second-string Sri Lanka side recently visited Pakistan for a limited-overs series, with the security measures in place during this tour impressing Sri Lanka Cricket and prompting them to give a green signal for the Test series. As per the original schedule, Sri Lanka was to play the Test matches in October and then come back to Pakistan in December for the limited-overs games but the swap for done to provide the visitors an opportunity to assess the situation.
“We are pleased to confirm our return visit to Pakistan as based on our earlier visit, we are comfortable and convinced conditions are suitable and conducive for Test cricket,” SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva said. “We also believe all cricket playing countries should host international cricket at home and in this relation we are happy to play our part in the complete resumption of international cricket in Pakistan, which not only has a proud history but has been one of our biggest supporters in our early days as a cricket nation.”
Zakir Khan, PCB Director – International Cricket, was pleased with Sri Lanka’s decision to agree to tour Pakistan for the Test series and said high standards of security will be in place to ensure the smooth running of the series. You do Cricket Match Predictions also.
“This is fabulous news for Pakistan and its reputation of being as safe and secure as any other country in the world. We are thankful to Sri Lanka Cricket for agreeing to send their team for the longer version of the game, which will contribute significantly in the PCB’s efforts and drive for a regular resumption of international cricket, and help in its endeavors of attracting new audiences and the younger generation,” Zakir Khan said.
“Now that the itinerary has been confirmed, we will shift our focus on series preparations to ensure we deliver arrangements as per our very high standards. This series is part of our cricket celebrations and we will leave no stone unturned in putting up a show which is a memorable one for the players, officials, fans, and media,” he added.
