Copyright Cricket Addictor
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) sent a reconnaissance team to assess security and logistical arrangements ahead of their series in Pakistan. The move comes as part of SLC’s standard protocol to review travel and safety measures before confirming participation in the upcoming white-ball series, including ODIs and T20Is. Afghanistan recently withdrew from the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan. Sri Lanka is trying to seek full assurance regarding safety measures. The white-ball series will be Sri Lanka’s second since the 2009 Lahore attack on their team bus. Notably, the island nation returned to playing international cricket in Pakistan in 2019. Sri Lanka sends a Reconnaissance Team to Assess Security in Pakistan Ahead of the White-ball Series A Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) security delegation has arrived in Pakistan to assess the safety and logistical arrangements ahead of the upcoming series. The delegation will check all protocols before the board gives its final approval for the team’s participation in the white-ball fixtures. Notably, the delegation will tour major venues in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, where the matches are scheduled to take place. They will inspect stadium facilities, team hotels, and transportation routes to verify that all necessary security measures are being implemented. Apart from inspections, the officials will hold meetings with representatives from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), local organizers, and law enforcement agencies. While it is common for cricket boards from SENA nations to send advance security teams before a tour to Pakistan, such visits are rare for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Set to Begin Pakistan Tour with Three-Match ODI Series in Rawalpindi Sri Lanka is set to kick off their Pakistan tour with a three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi from November 11 to 15. Following the ODI series, the focus will shift to a T20 tri-series involving hosts Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, scheduled from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Zimbabwe joined the tournament as a replacement for Afghanistan, which withdrew after heightened border tensions and security concerns in the region. The tri-series will open with a Pakistan–Zimbabwe clash on November 17, while Sri Lanka will play their first match two days later. The competition will serve as an ideal build-up for next year’s ICC T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Charith Asalanka to Lead Sri Lanka in Both ODI and T20I Series in Pakistan All-rounder Charith Asalanka will lead the side in both the ODI and T20I formats. As per a report from Sri Lanka Mirror, a 16-member squad has been finalized and submitted to the Sports Minister for approval. Dasun Shanaka has been named vice-captain of the T20I team, his first time in the role. Notably, it was under Shanaka’s leadership in 2019 that Sri Lanka registered a memorable 64-run win over Pakistan, their first T20 victory against them in six years. Ahead of the series, the squad is undergoing intensive training at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota, where conditions are being tailored to replicate those expected in Pakistan.
