Pakistan may host Sri Lanka later this year for a T20I and ODI series

In what is excellent news for Pakistan Cricket and fans, it has been learnt that Sri Lanka may tour Pakistan towards the end of the year.  With the security conditions improving in the war-torn country, fans may soon have something to cheer for. Pakistan scripted a fairytale win in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy during which they beat India in the finals by 180 runs to lift their first silverware of the tournament, under the captaincy of Sarfraz Ahmed.

After winning the Cup, the Pakistan captain had openly invited all countries to play cricket in Pakistan – something which has not happened since the past 8 years. Ever since the bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers was attacked in 2009, Pakistan have been playing all their home matches in the UAE because all countries showed security concerns in Pakistan. However, if the latest news holds any substance, Pakistan will be finally playing international cricket on their home ground soon.

Recently, it also hosted the final of the second edition of the Pakistan Super League in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, and the event was successfully pulled with no security threats being reported. Talking to APP, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official confirmed that the Sri Lankan cricket team will tour Pakistan in November or December.

“Our Sri Lankan counterpart have expressed willingness in sending their team to Pakistan as the security situation is improving in the country,” he said. He also said official said that the two teams would be playing ODIs and T20Is which would be held only in Lahore.

PSL final in Lahore was a breakthrough

“The world had witnessed the type of security that was provided in the high-profile Pakistan Super League (PSL) final at Lahore. PSL final had proved a great breakthrough in reviving international cricket in Pakistan,” he said.

This is a terrific news for fans in Pakistan, who have seen deserted stadiums for years now.