ICC completes final security evaluation at Lahore

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly completed its evaluation of the security arrangements in Lahore. The city is expected to host Sri Lanka for the third and final T20I game of the ongoing series against the hosts Pakistan. The two teams are currently engaged in an ODI series. After the conclusion of the ODI series, the two sides will lock horns in a 3-match T20I series.

The first two matches of the T20I series will be played in the UAE. The final match has been scheduled to be played at Lahore. Everything seemed to be going on a perfect note in the lead up to the match. The match, if it is played at the venue, will be a return of international cricket to the Pakistani soil. However, there have been dark clouds hovering over the game in the recent past.

A day ago, as many as almost 40 Sri Lankan cricketers had approached their cricket board, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), to consider a change in venue for the final T20I match. This was due to their unwillingness to travel to Pakistan on the grounds of security concerns. While the final call remains to be taken, the ICC assured the players that security arrangements will be checked.

ICC happy with the security arrangements, SLC yet to respond

Also, the SLC had conceded that they will be taking a final call after the ICC goes to the venue and clears the air about the security arrangement. Now, as per the reports in the Cricket Age, the ICC is happy with the security arrangements made at Lahore. They are most likely to pass the green signal for the match. It will be worth seeing how the SLC and the Sri Lankan cricketers react to the game now.

“The ICC had informed Sri Lanka Cricket Board that they are satisfied and will send Match officials” a Source at ICC told Cricket Age.