Sri Lanka gives green signal for Lahore T20

Sri Lanka Cricket has given the green signal for the final T20I of the three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka to be played in Pakistan.

Sri Lankan team will now play the third T20I of series against Pakistan on 29th October, in Lahore.

“Sri Lanka Cricket on Monday confirmed its commitment to play the third and final T20 game of the ongoing Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan on the 29th of October,” said a statement from the Sri Lanka Cricket following its ExCo meeting in Colombo.

The statement added that the executive committee of the board evaluated reports obtained from ICC and independent security experts and have expressed full satisfaction over the arrangements.

“SLC have over the past two months conducted a thorough evaluation with the assistance of the Government of Sri Lanka, the Government of Pakistan, the PCB and independent Security experts and The Executive Committee today (16), evaluated the reports obtained together with the recommendation of the International Cricket Council – which successfully conducted the Independence Cup tournament in Lahore fielding a World XI Team,” said the statement.

“And, having been fully satisfied with the stringent security measures in place, the SLC ExCo unanimously decided to play the 3rd T20 in Lahore on the 29th October,” it added.

“This is a historic moment! I am grateful for the understanding and support given to me by the President of the SLC, my friend Thilanga Sumathipala, who made a pledge two months ago to me during the ACC moot in Colombo, to break the ice and come to Lahore and help Pakistan bring international cricket home, said Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Najam Sethi.

It is yet not clear if the full string Sri Lanka squad will tour Pakistan. Earlier, reports suggested that captain Upul Tharanga has pulled himself out of the match. Fast bowler Lasith Malinga and Lakmal have also expressed reservations over visiting Lahore for the match.

SLC says the selection committee will finalise a squad of 22 for the tour by the October 17, and announce the final 15 on the October 20.

It is understood that the Sri Lankan board is still in negotiation with the players on visiting Pakistan. Experts from an independent security firm are also likely to brief the Sri Lankan players on the safety and security situation in Pakistan.

SLC President, Thilanga Sumathipala will also accompany the Sri Lankan team to Lahore
The President of Sri Lanka Cricket, according to the statement, has also extended his best wishes to PCB Chairman Najam Sethi and his board on the occasion of this historic game, which is set to bring back bilateral cricket to Pakistan.

Source: Geo Tv Pakistan