The Sri Lankan cricket team reached Karachi for the series of three ODI and three T20 matches against Pakistan.
On arrival in Karachi, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director International Zakir Khan and other PCB officials welcomed the team.
The Sri Lankan cricket team arrived in Karachi by a foreign airline flight, the officials of the Sri Lankan Cricket Board have also arrived in Karachi with the players.
The players were taken directly from the plane to the state lounge where the players were treated to tea and biscuits.
After that, the team left the airport under tight security to a local hotel in Karachi where the visiting team was warmly welcomed.
The Sri Lankan cricket team will first play three ODI matches in Karachi, in which the Alex Reed team will be led by Leharu Thirimane, after which Dawson Shanaka will lead the Alex Reed team in three T20 matches in Lahore.
The Sri Lankan team will practice at the National Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, while the teams will have a practice session on Thursday, after which the first one-day match will be played in Karachi on Friday.
Earlier, while leaving Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan team captain Thirimane said that his team is determined to play good cricket in Pakistan. is
It should be noted that the Pakistan Cricket Board has given the Sri Lankan cricket team the same security protocol as the heads of state.
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**Interview with Zakir Khan, Director International, Pakistan Cricket Board**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Mr. Khan. The Sri Lankan cricket team has just arrived in Karachi for an exciting series. How did the PCB ensure a warm welcome for the team upon their arrival?
**Zakir Khan:** Thank you for having me. We were thrilled to welcome the Sri Lankan team. We had PCB officials at the airport to greet them, and we organized a smooth transport with top-notch security protocols. It’s crucial to make our guests feel safe and valued.
**Interviewer:** Security seems to be a top priority. Can you elaborate on the security arrangements for the Sri Lankan team during their stay?
**Zakir Khan:** Absolutely. We’ve implemented the same security measures for the Sri Lankan team as we would for heads of state, ensuring their comfort and safety at all times. Our local authorities have been very cooperative in assisting us with this.
**Interviewer:** Captain Leharu Thirimane mentioned the team’s determination to play good cricket in Pakistan. How do you think this series will impact cricketing relations between the two nations?
**Zakir Khan:** We believe it will strengthen the cricketing ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. These matches hold high significance, allowing both teams to showcase their talent, and foster sportsmanship. It’s an opportunity to build camaraderie through cricket.
**Interviewer:** With the team playing in Karachi first, followed by matches in Lahore, what are the expectations regarding attendance and fan support?
**Zakir Khan:** We expect an enthusiastic turnout from the fans in Karachi and Lahore alike. Cricket in Pakistan has a passionate fan base, and this series offers a chance for fans to support their teams in person after some challenges in recent years.
**Interviewer:** Let’s turn to our readers. Given the heightened security and historical context, do you think such measures are necessary for international teams visiting Pakistan? Or should cricket return to normalcy?
**Zakir Khan:** That’s an important question. While security is paramount, there is a conversation to be had about how we can balance safety with accessibility to fans. I encourage readers to share their thoughts on this evolving situation. It’s a collective effort to make cricket as inclusive and safe as possible.
