Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella and all-rounder Thisara Perera are not keen on touring Pakistan, for the upcoming three-match ODI and T20I series.

According to BDcrictime, the two Sri Lankan cricketers have sought permission for participation in the Caribbean Premier League — which is scheduled to be played from September 4 till October 12.  It must be noted that CPL will clash with the dates of Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan, which begins with their arrival in Karachi on September 25.

PCB, SLC announce T20I, ODI series in Pakistan

The report further stated that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) might allow its players to participate in CPL, on the condition that they will return to serve for the national side if and when needed.

The Sri Lanka sports minister Harin Fernando has broken his silence on the matter and confirmed the report.

“Several players have informed me that they are not willing to go to Pakistan. SLC have to talk to them. I am also expecting travel with the team to Pakistan to give confidence to them" Fernando said on Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan.

Earlier, the PCB and SLC had announced to swap matches of the split series in Pakistan, meaning the ODIs and the T20Is will now be played from September 27 to October 9 while the Tests will be held in December.

According to the PCB press release, Pakistan was scheduled to host Sri Lanka for two World Test Championship matches in October before Sri Lanka returns for three ODIs and three T20Is in late December.

The decision to swap matches was made following a ‘phone discussion between PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani and SLC President Shammi Silva.