The cricket team from Sri Lanka recently visited Pakistan for a limited over bilateral series that included three One Day internationals and as many as Twenty 20 internationals. This was the first time that the Lankan side had traveled to Pakistan since 2009 after the devastating terrorist attack in Pakistan. This tour was quite good for Pakistan as a significant revival of international cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tried its best to make it a memorable series for both its fans and visitors.
The PCB gave top-notch hospitality to the visiting side of Sri Lanka. This was, after all, a golden opportunity to impress Sri Lanka Cricket and the International Cricket Council (ICC). Most Lankan players were satisfied with the hospitality and security arranged by PCB, but with SLC President Shammi Sliva that was not the case. He said he was fed up with spending 2 to 3 continuous days inside the hotel. They were not allowed to go out walking or traveling.
Arjuna Ranatunga upset
Former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga has been upset by the remarks made to PCB by his own countryman. The former World Cup-winning skipper showered praise on the Pakistan Cricket Board for giving their best to revive international cricket in Pakistan in the midst of so many tensions and security concerns.
“I am sure the public statements by our officials must be upsetting Pakistan. They are doing their best to bring cricket back into the country and statements like these don’t help their cause. As a former captain, I must congratulate PCB for the excellent show they put up during our recent visit. All that I can tell the PCB is that don’t take what officials over here say too seriously. Neither do they understand the game nor what security is,” Ranatunga said
Because of the civil war, not many groups visited Sri Lanka in the 1980s, according to Ranatunga. That’s why they know what it means to be deprived of playing cricket at home, Sri Lanka suffered a lot at that time. Pakistan is suffering the same fate right now, and they should be helped by every other cricketing body. “Everyone must try and help them in these tough moments. It is a shame that SLC is not doing enough to help PCB. People running the game at present perhaps do not know how much Pakistan helped us during our early days,” he added.
