After a wait of 10 years, Karachi is finally set to host the first ODI tournament beginning on Friday (September 27). The home team will play against Sri Lanka for a three-match series.
International Cricket is all set to return to Pakistan after a long time! pic.twitter.com/VwQkACSGsU
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 25, 2019
The Sri Lankan team’s bus was attacked by militants back on March 3, 2009, at Lahore. After the incident, Pakistan was not able to host any international tournaments for six years.
Many Sri Lankan players including Lasith Malinga and Dimuth Karunaratne pulled out ahead of the series, citing security concerns. The Sri Lankan team announced Lahiru Thirimanne and Dasun Shanaka as the captains for ODI and T20I side respectively.
The Pakistan team will play for the first time under the supervision of newly appointed head-coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq. The team has named their star batsman Babar Azam as the new vice-captain.
Ahead of the match, skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed requested fans to show up at the stadium and support the event.
“History will be made on Friday when Karachi will host the first ODI series since January 2009. I request all cricket fans to be part of history so that they can tell the next generation that they were at the National Stadium when an international series was played,” tweeted Sarfaraz Ahmed.
History will be made on Friday when Karachi will host the first ODI series since January 2009. I request all cricket fans to be part of history so that they can tell the next generation that they were at the National Stadium when an international series was played. pic.twitter.com/YYifMYswvj
— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) September 25, 2019
Babar too urged cricket fans to turn up in huge numbers to support the home side at the National Stadium.
“Friday will be one of my biggest days when I will take the field as Pakistan vice-captain. I will want the entire country as well as the National Stadium crowd to make this a day to remember for me. #PAKvSL,” tweeted Babar Azam.
Friday will be one of my biggest days when I will take the field as Pakistan vice-captain. I will want the entire country as well as the National Stadium crowd to make this a day to remember for me. #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/YbhfvHIIga
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) September 25, 2019
After the ODIs, both teams will face each other for a three-match T20I series starting from October 5.
