Sri Lanka trying to convince team stars to tour Pakistan

With the much awaited Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan just around the corner, reports suggest that a number of top Lankan stars are unwilling to tour the country.

According to the Sri Lankan media reports, senior players of the team expressed concerns over visiting Pakistan. This include T20 captain Lasith Malinga and One-Day International (ODI) captain Dimuth Karunaratne. Meanwhile, all-rounder Thisara Perera will not be available for the tour after he was picked for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

As per reports, the Sri Lankan sports ministry has jumped into this issue, after the Minster of Sports Harin Fernando offered the players that if they have security concerns in touring Pakistan then he is ready to go with the team to boost their confidence.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan cricket spokesperson has said that the security arrangements in Pakistan are very good and they have no problem in visiting Pakistan.

It is pertinent to inform that the Sri Lankan cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Karachi on 25 September where it will play three ODIs on 27 and 29 September and 2 October. Whereas, Lahore will host three T20Is on 5, 7 and 9 October after which the visitors will fly home on 10 October.