Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has clearly expressed his disappointment over Sri Lankan players pulling out of the upcoming ODI & T20I series versus Pakistan, starting September 27. Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Dimuth Karunaratne and Niroshan Dickwella were among the ten cricketers, who decided to back out due to security reasons.
Akhtar opened up on his official Twitter handle: “So disappointed with the 10 Sri Lankan players who have pulled out of Pakistan tour. Pakistan has always been a huge support for SL cricket. Recently after deadly Easter Attacks in SL, our Under-19 team was sent on tour there, being the first international team to volunteer.”
So disappointed with the 10 Sri Lankan players who have pulled out of Pakistan tour.
Pakistan has always been a huge support for SL cricket.
Recently after deadly Easter Attacks in SL, our under-19 team was sent on tour there, being the first international team to volunteer.— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 11, 2019
On Monday, September 9, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board named the ODI and T20I squads minus the big names.
The other players who opted out of the tour were Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Thisara Perera, Akila Dhananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, and Dinesh Chandimal. As per reports, their families were not comfortable with them touring Pakistan.
The 44-year-old also wrote –
“And of course who can forget the 1996 World Cup when Australia & West Indies refused to tour Sri Lanka. Pakistan sent a combined team with India to play a friendly match in Colombo. We expect reciprocation from Sri Lanka. Their board is cooperating, players should also.”
And ofcourse who can forget the 1996 World Cup when Australia & West Indies refused to tour Sri Lanka.
Pakistan sent a combined team with India to play a friendly match in Colombo.
We expect reciprocation from Sri Lanka. Their board is cooperating, players should also.— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) September 11, 2019
Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka at home in 3 ODIs and as many T20Is.
