In the latest development, Sri Lankan cricketers have had refused to fly Pakistan owing to the security concerns for the final match of the three-match Twenty20 internationals scheduled in Lahore.
The reports suggested that at least forty cricketers, who have signed the national contract in SLC fold, in the preliminary procedure declined to visit Pakistan, for the T20I scheduled for 29th October.
“We don’t intend to disturb them [players] in middle of a series, but we are left with no option but to address the issue,” an official with SLC was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
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Concurrently, Sri Lanka is down with 1-0 in the five-match One-day international series at Pakistan’s adopted home.
The board received a letter which holds the statement of the national players, who are bound to play under the national allegiance from time-to-time, according to the proposed fixtures.
“SLC will have a quick chat to the players very soon,” an official added.
Surprisingly, all-rounder Thisara Perera, who was the part of World XI is said to be a player, who did not sign the letter.
Pertinently, the itinerary for the full-fledged bilateral series was framed jointly by both Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), before the series kicked off on September 27 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The series will culminate with the T20I that was tentatively slated at iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Moreover, the players have indirectly asked the national Board to consider the new venue for a game which will eventually mark the end of the bilateral series in the UAE.
The official in known of the things reiterated the world governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) is bound to give the detailed briefing to Lankan players about the security situation in the embattled country.
“The ICC also will meet the players on Saturday to brief them about the situation in Lahore,” the source maintained.
Interestingly, the players, who rejected to travel Pakistan, include the current players featuring in the ongoing five-match series in the desert.
Earlier, Sarfraz Ahmed-led Pakistan’s desert forte faced a brunt as a side when rejuvenated Dinesh Chandimal-led Tigers made a strong comeback – to clinch the two-match series 2-0 after being routed by India with the scoreline of 9-0.
However, the players back home also urged the board by signing the letter that was eventually forwarded to the newly-appointed cricket administration which was formed after Lankan Lions received the drubbing in their den.
The official did not hint at the possibility of the second-string side but expressed the concern over the players’ serious question.
“We are looking at all possibilities. Pakistan has been one our closest allies and we don’t want to let them down,” official asserted.
Pertinently, while wrapping it up, in 2009 Sri Lankan team bus came under gruesome attack which further left minor bullet injuries to the visitors’ players, before being airlifted to the to the nearest airbase from iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
Recently, Pakistan successfully hosted the three-match series against World XI-led by Faf du Plessis.
Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the second ODI at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 16.