The players had to stay inside the hotel, I got fed up: SLC President on touring Pakistan

The recent limited-overs series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka saw the return of top-flight international cricket back in the unstable country, which had previously seen only Zimbabwe and a World XI touring them, apart from holding PSL matches at home. But foreign players have always been a little iffy when it came to playing in the nation.

Sri Lanka made a bold move to send their team despite the happenings of 2009 fresh in everyone’s mind when the bus carrying their players were shot at by terrorists and some of the players were hit as well. This played a role in ten of the top stars refusing to go to Pakistan despite the hosts promising head of the state-level security to visitors and hence Sri Lankan board sent a second-string team.

Pakistan won the three-match ODI series 2-0 but was whitewashed by a young Lankan side in the T20I format, much to the amazement and sadness of the home fans, given that Pakistan was at their full strength. After the series, Sri Lankan players and officials thanked the host for the security arrangements and for the hospitality served to them during their stay in Karachi and Lahore for the matches.

SLC President has his say on touring Pakistan

Shammi Silva, the Sri Lankan Cricket president was not happy with the fact that the visiting players were asked to stay inside their rooms at all times during the duration of their visit amidst tight security. He also talked about the frustration he had to face during his stay in Pakistan. Sri Lanka is also slated to play a 3-Test series under the ICC Test Championship against Pakistan. Silva said that he will have to talk to the players and staff and then make a decision.

The actual schedule of the Test series is in UAE but if Sri Lankan players are happy to tour Pakistan, then the series will be shifted to the green flag nation, “The players had to stay inside the hotel. I got fed up staying for three or four days. We have to talk to the players & support staff & see how this will affect the Test series.”

You enjoy the hospitality of your hosts, then go home & say this (SLC President Shammi Silva) "the players had to stay inside the hotel. I got fed up staying for three or four days. We have to talk to the players & support staff & see how this will affect the Test series" #PAKvSL

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) October 13, 2019