Pakistan is scheduled to host Sri Lanka later this month and the recent reports have suggested that there will be no change in the schedule or the venues as in for the three-match ODI series as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Sri Lanka is scheduled to play three ODIs in Karachi and as many T20Is in Lahore, which are scheduled to commence on September 27.

Sri Lanka’s top players, including T20I skipper Lasith Malinga, had opted out of the tour due to security concerns. In 2017, the Islanders had toured to Pakistan when Thisara Perera led the team and the hosts clean swept them 5-0.  Sri Lanka’s tour to Pakistan was going as per the plans but recently, their Prime Minister’s Office received reliable information of a possible terrorist threat on their team, while touring Pakistan and then things started getting disturbed.

ALSO READ: Shoaib Akhtar Disappointed As Sri Lankan Players Boycott Pakistan Tour

Following this, Sri Lanka Cricket decided to “reassess” their plan for the Pakistan tour. However, according to a report in cricketpakistan.com.pk, the PCB is closely assessing the situation but denied considering shifting the series to a neutral venue.

According to the report, the PCB clearly opined that they are planning to bring international cricket to Pakistan on a consistent basis and moving the games to the neutral venue will put their plans to jeopardy. 

The PCB also reckons that shifting the series to a neutral venue will make it difficult to convince foreign players to tour Pakistan, for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL), as well.  Earlier, 10 Sri Lankan players decided to opt-out of the tour as their families were reportedly uncomfortable with the tour.

ALSO READ: Somerset Trolls Steve Smith Over Talking To Jack Leach

After this, Lahiru Thirimanne was announced as the skipper of Sri Lanka’s ODI squad while Dasun Shanaka was named as the skipper for the T20I series. Pakistan crowd has been missing international cricket since the touring Sri Lankan team was attacked by terrorists on their way to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 2009 on the third morning of the second of the two-match Test series.