SLC confident of sending full strength Sri Lanka team for Lahore T20I

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chief Thilanga Sumathipala is confident of sending a full strength team for the final game of the ongoing series against Pakistan. The ongoing ODI series will be followed by a T20I series. The final T20I of the series has been scheduled to be played at Lahore. However, as many as 40 Sri Lankan cricketers recently asked the SLC to consider a change in venue citing security reasons.

This has come as a big setback for both the cricket boards. However, the SLC chief feels that things will be sorted as the ICC will be sending match officials to Lahore to check the security arrangements. As per the quotes in Cricbuzz, he also mentioned that the SLC will have their own security experts to analyse the situation.

“The players have made an appeal to SLC asking for a change of venue for the third T20I. We will discuss the issue on Monday at an Executive Committee meeting. I can understand their concerns. It is our responsibility to assess the situation and then take a decision,” Sumathipala quoted.

“The ICC is sending down match officials and have indicated that there’s no issue with security. The PCB has promised to give security that will be given to a Head of State. We are sending another specialist to assess the situation on our own and will rely on the government’s advice on the security situation. If everything is clear, I am sure we will be able to send our best team,” he added.

Travelling with the team

Sumathipala also conceded that he will travel along with team Sri Lanka to UAE. He mentioned that it is not possible to name different squads for the matches in UAE and for the final game at Lahore. He cited that only one squad will be announced for the three T20Is that will played as part of the schedule.

“We will pick the squad for all three T20s. There can’t be one team playing in UAE and another playing in Lahore. The players should not pick and choose venues. Since I am a Parliamentarian, I have a hectic schedule, but I am planning to fly to Dubai and from there I will go to Lahore with the team and come back to Colombo with the team,” he mentioned.

Extending support to Pakistan

The SLC Chief noted that the players will have to understand the board will not put them at risk in any case. Also, he admitted that the team when the Sri Lanka team was attacked in the year 2009, was a traumatizing time for them. He remarked that the Pakistan cricket needs to be supported at the moment. And Sri Lanka Cricket is keen on extending that support to them.

He further conceded that he will be meeting the top officials after the report from the ICC will be generated. Once all formalities are done, only then there will be a clearance on the case.

“It was a traumatic experience to our players when the attack happened and we will take everything into consideration. The players need to understand that we will not do anything that will put them in danger,” the SLC chief remarked.

“The PCB is making every effort to play the game. We have had our own bad experiences due to terrorism but most cricket teams supported us in time of need. The cricket world needs to support Pakistan. Once we finish the Ex-Co meeting on Monday, I intend to speak to the President, Prime Minister and Sports Minister to get their advice. I am sure everything will be taken care of,” he conceded further.