After the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009, the doors of international cricket were closed to Pakistan and Pakistan has not hosted a Test match since then.
Pakistan will host Test cricket for the first time in 10 years in December next month and Sri Lanka announced their 15-member strong squad for the two-Test series.
After the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009, the doors of international cricket were closed to Pakistan and Pakistan has not hosted a Test match since then.
Meanwhile, Pakistan played all its Test matches at neutral venues, but through Pakistan and the Super League, the way for the return of international cricket in the country was paved and the arrival of international teams to Pakistan through limited overs cricket in the country began.
The Sri Lankan team was initially supposed to play a series of two Test matches against Pakistan in September and October this year, but after Pakistan announced that the matches would be held in the country and not played at a neutral venue, the series fell into disarray. was
Later, the cricket boards of both the countries decided to hold the ODI and T20 series first and Sri Lanka announced to send the Pakistan team for the limited overs series.
However, Pakistan suffered a major setback when 10 key and senior Sri Lankan players refused to go on the Pakistan tour and Sri Lanka sent a slightly inexperienced and young squad to Pakistan.
The tour of the young Sri Lankan team was more than expected, which had to face failure in the ODI series, but in the T20 series, the visiting team surprised the world by sweeping the world number one Pakistan 0-3. was
After the successful tour, the said players described the security and environment in Pakistan as excellent for the game and said that they will try to convince their senior players to come to Pakistan.
The Sri Lankan cricketers kept their promise and after hearing good things about the Pakistan tour, the senior cricketers also agreed to come to Pakistan and play the Test match.
Sri Lanka have announced their 15-member squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan, which includes all the key players.
For this series, almost all the players in the Sri Lankan team except fast bowler Kasan Rajitha are the same who participated in the second Test against New Zealand.
Akila Dhananjaya participated in the Test match against New Zealand but he will not be able to participate in this series as he has been banned for one year due to illegal bowling action.
The Sri Lankan team will be led by Damith Karunaratne while other players include Oshada Fernando, Kaushal Mendes, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Perera (wicket keeper), Lahiru Thiri Mane, Dhananjaya De Silva, Nirushan Dakwella, Dilruvan Perera, Lastambile Denia. , Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasan Rajitha and Lakshan Sandakan.
The first match of the two-Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played in Rawalpindi from December 11, after which the two teams will compete at the National Stadium in Karachi from December 19.
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Interview with Cricket Analyst, Samira Khan, on Pakistan’s Return to Test Cricket
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Samira. It’s a historic moment for Pakistan as they are set to host Test cricket for the first time in ten years, following the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore back in 2009. What does this mean for Pakistan cricket?
Samira Khan: Thank you for having me. This is indeed a monumental moment for Pakistan cricket. Hosting Test matches again not only signifies a return to normalcy but also restores international confidence in Pakistan as a safe venue for cricket. It’s a huge boost for the players and fans alike who have missed out on live international cricket for so long.
Editor: Absolutely. The series against Sri Lanka was initially planned for earlier this year but faced delays due to security concerns. Can you shed some light on how things progressed to get to this point?
Samira Khan: Of course! The initial reluctance from some senior Sri Lankan players to tour Pakistan highlighted the lingering anxiety around the country’s security situation. However, the consistent efforts by the Pakistan Cricket Board, coupled with the relatively successful limited-overs series earlier this year, played a significant role in building trust. Seeing younger players step up during those matches also helped change perceptions, proving that Pakistan can host competitive cricket safely.
Editor: It’s interesting to note that while the ODI and T20 series didn’t go as planned for the Sri Lankan team, they managed a surprising clean sweep against Pakistan in T20s. What does this say about the current state of both teams?
Samira Khan: The T20 series result really showed the unpredictability of cricket. The young Sri Lankan squad, perhaps with less pressure and with fresh energy, performed exceptionally well and demonstrated their potential. For Pakistan, it was a wake-up call. Despite having a strong squad, they need to be more consistent, especially with the upcoming Test series at their home ground.
Editor: With this Test series scheduled for December, what should fans and players expect?
Samira Khan: Fans can expect an exciting competition, especially given the historic context. For the players, it will be an emotional and challenging series. The home side will be keen to defy any lingering doubts about their capability and security, while Sri Lanka will aim to build on their recent form. It’s a chance for both teams to showcase their skills on a grand stage.
Editor: Thank you, Samira, for your insights on this significant development in international cricket. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on the upcoming Test series!
Samira Khan: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important milestone for Pakistan cricket.
Perform well may have also convinced the senior players that it is safe to travel now. Their positive feedback about the environment has undoubtedly helped pave the way for this Test series.
Editor: That’s an encouraging turn of events. Given that Sri Lanka is bringing a largely experienced squad for the Test matches, how do you think the dynamics of this series will play out?
Samira Khan: The experience of the Sri Lankan squad cannot be underestimated, especially since they have key players who have performed well at the international level. However, the Pakistani team has been strong in its home conditions. It will be interesting to see how both teams adapt to each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The first match will be crucial for setting the tone for the series.
Editor: Looking ahead, what impact do you think hosting these Test matches will have on Pakistan cricket in the long run?
Samira Khan: Hosting Test cricket will restore Pakistan’s reputation as a cricketing nation. It can attract more international teams to visit and compete. This could potentially lead to enhanced infrastructure and investment in cricket domestically. Moreover, this exposure will be invaluable for our local players to gain experience against some of the best in the world, which can only benefit Pakistan cricket moving forward.
Editor: Thank you, Samira, for your insights. It’s indeed an exciting time for cricket in Pakistan, and we all hope for a successful series ahead!
Samira Khan: Thank you! I share the same hope, and let’s look forward to vibrant matches ahead.