'Countries must support each other' - Shahid Afridi welcomes Sri Lanka for playing historic Test series

Pakistan Cricket team is currently going through a bad phase on the cricket field. But, their board has left no stone unturned in bringing Test cricket back in the nation. Recently, Sri Lanka acknowledged the invitation to play two-match Test series in Pakistan and it will be the first Test series that Men in Green will host after a span of a decade. Ahead of the much-awaited Test series, Shahid Afridi, the former player thanked Islanders to give a nod to play series in the longer format.

In 2009, Sri Lanka Cricket team bus was attacked and since then every country has hesitated to play cricket in Pakistan. It took almost six years for them to bring back international cricket in their country. However, only limited-over format returned back and there was still a question mark over the longest format. Ironically, it is the same country, who had earlier in October visited Pakistan to play limited-overs series, will be playing the Test series.

Shahid Afridi hails Pakistan Cricket Board for their efforts 

Shahid Afridi, the former player thanked Sri Lanka Cricket Board for sending their national team for playing Test series. He also looked happy with the efforts of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in order to bring back Test cricket back in the country. He feels that countries and boards should help each other in their struggling time. In the past, Pakistan had stood for Sri Lanka and Afirid feels that it is a good thing that the Islanders have repaid the favour by coming in their support.

“I would like to thank the Sri Lanka cricket board for sending their team for the Test series, and I also want to thank the PCB for their efforts in ensuring the series takes place in Pakistan. It’s due to the PCB’s untiring efforts and resolves that Test cricket is being restored in the country. Countries and boards must always support each other. In the past, we have stood firm with Sri Lanka in all our cricket commitments and I am happy they have reciprocated our support,” Shahid Afridi said as quoted by PCB official website.

The first game of the historic two-match Test series will be played at Rawalpindi Stadium on December 11 followed by the 2nd match at National Stadium in Karachi on December 19. It will also be an opportunity for Pakistan to end their forgettable year on high with a series win in the longer format.