Misbah-ul-Haq disappointed over top Sri Lankan players pulling out of Pakistan tour

The newly-appointed Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq’s much-awaited tenure will start with the home series against Sri Lanka. Pakistan are set to host the Islanders for three ODIs and as many T20Is in Karachi and Lahore. Karachi will host the three ODIs on September 27, 29 and October 2 while the three T20 Internationals will be played at Lahore on October 5, 7 and 9.

But the former Pakistan skipper is not entirely happy ahead of his debut as coach and the reason is the absence of some Sri Lankan players. As many as ten visiting players have pulled out of the tour due to security reasons. Some of the players who have decided to back out from the tour are T20I and ODI captains Lasith Malinga and Dimuth Karunaratne respectively.

“Being a cricketer everyone’s life is very precious,” Misbah said in the presser on Wednesday. “We are also here, the rest of the players are also here … I think they should have considered it when the government is giving assurances.”

Misbah-ul-Haq acknowledges effort

As Pakistan desperately try to resume international cricket in their own backyard, Misbah-ul-Haq has shed some light on the hard work going on behind the scenes. The legendary cricketer, who never managed to lead his country in a Test in Pakistan, spoke about how the authorities are trying hard in their quest to convince the teams to visit the country.

“Pakistan’s government is trying its best, security agencies are trying their best, the Pakistan Cricket Board is trying its best and we need the support of the world,” Misbah added. “No doubt what happened to them (was unfortunate), such things do happen in other parts of the world, but you go out and play there. They should come here too, what’s the problem with that.”

Major teams have avoided Pakistan since that 2009 attack. But the signs have been promising in the last four years or so. Since 2015, Zimbabwe, West Indies, Sri Lanka as well as a World XI side has visited the country. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has arrived in Pakistan and are now gearing up to play the much-awaited series.

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