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 guest team will be led by Leharu Thirimane, after which Dawson Shanaka will lead the guest 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, the captain of the Sri Lankan team 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 of International Cricket at PCB**
**Interview with Zakir Khan, Director of International Cricket at PCB**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Zakir. Thank you for joining us today. The Sri Lankan cricket team has just arrived in Karachi for their series against Pakistan. Can you share your thoughts on the significance of this series?
**Zakir Khan:** Thank you for having me. This series is incredibly significant for both teams. For Sri Lanka, it’s a chance to compete at a high level and demonstrate their skills in a challenging environment. For Pakistan, it’s an opportunity to showcase our hospitality and security arrangements, emphasizing that we can host international teams safely and effectively.
**Interviewer:** The Sri Lankan team was greeted with considerable welcome and security upon their arrival. What measures did the PCB put in place to ensure their safety?
**Zakir Khan:** The security of visiting teams is our top priority. We provided a security protocol equivalent to that of heads of state. This includes a secure transportation route from the airport to the hotel, along with a close security escort at all times. We want the Sri Lankan team to feel comfortable and focused on their game.
**Interviewer:** Captain Leharu Thirimane expressed determination for his team to play good cricket in Pakistan. How important is this series for building cricketing relationships between the two nations?
**Zakir Khan:** It’s crucial. Cricket has a unique ability to bridge cultural divides and foster friendships. By hosting the Sri Lankan team, we are strengthening our ties and supporting cricket as a global sport. Competitive matches like these enhance mutual respect and camaraderie.
**Interviewer:** The Sri Lankan team is set for three ODIs followed by T20s in Lahore. How do you think the format affects preparation and strategy?
**Zakir Khan:** Each format requires a different approach. ODIs focus on building innings and strategy over longer play, while T20s demand quick scoring and adaptability. Transitioning from one format to another is always a challenge, but it tests the teams’ versatility and depth.
**Interviewer:** Final question, what do you hope the fans will take away from this series?
**Zakir Khan:** I hope the fans will be excited and proud of the spectacle and sportsmanship displayed. This series should remind us all of the joy of cricket, the spirit of competition, and the importance of international friendships. It’s about more than just the matches; it’s about the connections we build.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Zakir, for sharing your insights. We look forward to an exciting series!
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What are your thoughts on the heightened security measures for visiting teams in light of the ongoing challenges in international cricket? Do you believe this affects the players’ performance positively or negatively?
