Sri Lanka decide against playing Test matches in Pakistan

Sri Lanka’s much-awaited tour of Pakistan, for a two-match Test series in October, is likely to be called off.

According to details, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is not keen on playing Test cricket in Pakistan, in the near future, but it is instead considering playing three-match ODI series there.    

“Sri Lanka will not play Test Cricket in Pakistan. We are planning to play 3 ODIs in Pakistan,” Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Harin Fernando was quoted as saying in a Tweet on social media website Twitter.

Sri Lanka will not play Test Cricket in Pakistan, We are planning to play 3 ODIs in Pakistan - Sports Minister @fernandoharin

— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) August 22, 2019

When the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was approached on this matter, they said that talks were still in progress with the SLC officials regarding matches in Pakistan.

Most cricket nations have avoided touring Pakistan since 2009 when gunmen attacked a bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers, injuring six players and killing six security personnel and two civilians.

Zimbabwe tour of Pakistan in 2015 opened a gateway of International cricket in the country. Since that tour, World XI played Independence Cup, Sri Lanka played a T20I and West Indies played three-match T20I series in Karachi.

PCB also successfully hosted Pakistan Super League final in 2017 and playoffs and PSL final in 2018. This year, eight matches of the league were played in Karachi and Lahore, including the final, eliminator and playoffs.