Test cricket returns to Pakistan after a decade as SL confirm series in Dec

Test cricket will return to Pakistan after more than a decade with Sri Lanka on Thursday agreeing to a two-match series in December, which will be a part of the traditional format’s ongoing ICC World Championship.

Sri Lanka played a bilateral ODI and T20 International series in Pakistan in September-October earlier this year despite 10 of its top players, including ODI captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Twenty20 skipper Lasith Malinga, opting out due to security concerns.

The upcoming series’ first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from December 11-15, while the second Test will be held in Karachi from December 19-23.

“This is a fabulous news for Pakistan cricket and its reputation of being as safe and secure as any other country in the world. We are thankful to Sri Lanka Cricket for agreeing to send their team for the longer version of the game,” Pakistan Cricket Board director Zakir Khan said in a statement.

Khan said the confirmation will contribute in the PCB’s efforts towards ensuring a regular resumption of international cricket in the country. Incidentally, Sri Lanka was also the last team to play Test cricket in Pakistan, back in 2009.

The island nation’s team was attacked by terrorists in Lahore during that tour, leading to a freeze in international cricket in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka were originally scheduled to play Tests in October and then return in December for a limited-overs’ series but the matches were swapped to “provide them the opportunity to assess the situation before deciding on the Test venues”.

“Now that the itinerary has been confirmed, we will shift our focus on series preparations to ensure we deliver arrangements as per our very high standards,” Khan said.

SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva said: “We are pleased to confirm our return visit to Pakistan as, based on our earlier visit, we are comfortable and convinced conditions are suitable and conducive for Test cricket.

“We also believe all cricket playing countries should host international cricket at home and in this relation we are happy to play our part in complete resumption of international cricket in Pakistan, which not only has a proud history but has been one of our biggest supporters in our early days as a cricket nation.

“We drew our opening World Test Championship series against New Zealand, and I anticipate, like in the past, these two Tests will be exciting and competitive, and the fans will thoroughly enjoy the quality of cricket that will be on display.”

Tour schedule

December 11-15: 1st Test, Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
December 19-23: 2nd Test, National Stadium, Karachi.

-Agencies