The Pakistan cricket team is upbeat ahead of their One-day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka at the National Stadium in Karachi.

According to details, the Men in Green captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was excited about leading the side on this historic occasion and hoped for a full house in Karachi.  

“Leading the Pakistan cricket team in a bilateral ODI series in front of my home crowd will be one of the highlights of my career. I can’t wait for Friday, which will mark the memorable occasion, and I hope when I walk out, I have a full house behind me, not only cheering me but both the sides,” said Sarfaraz in a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“Fans are the lifeline for any sport as they are the driving force for any team or player. They give extra energy to the teams and help them produce their very best. I request all local cricket fans to be part of history so that they can tell the next generation that they were at the National Stadium when an international series was played,” he added.

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Top-order batsman Babar Azam, who will step out on the field for the first time as Pakistan vice-captain during the ODI series, also thanked the fans for their continued support throughout his brief career.

“I can’t thank enough for the love and respect I have received from all my fans in the early days of my career. Friday will be one of my biggest days when I will take the field as Pakistan vice-captain. I will want the entire country as well as the National Stadium crowd to make this a day to remember for me,” said Azam.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan was also hopping for a passionate response from the fans in Karachi, like the one during the HBL PSL, as it played a great role in motivating the team on the field.

“I saw the enthusiasm and passion of the Karachi crowd at the HBL Pakistan Super League 2019. I think the success of this tournament was largely due to the backing of the Karachi crowd, which got behind the matches and made it an event to remember,” he said. “I look forward to a similar response from the Karachi crowds, to come and support us. As professional athletes, we need our fans to be behind us to motivate and inspire us.”

The first ODI of the three-match series between the two sides will be played on September 27. The second and third ODI will take place on September 29 and October 2, respectively.