Twitter in readiness before Sri Lanka's ODI against Pakistan in Karachi

Over the last few days, there have been a lot of talks over Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan. Back in 2009, the Lankan team bus was attacked outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore after which international cricket came to a halt in Pakistan. In 2015, Zimbabwe toured the nation for a limited-overs series. Gradually, cricket has been making its way into the war-stricken Asian country.

Back in October 2017, the Lankans played a solitary T20I in Lahore, but a number of the major players backed out citing security concerns. Thereafter, the World XI and the West Indies played T20I series in the country. A few weeks ago, it was learned that a security delegation gave positive feedback to the SLC following which the upcoming fixtures in Pakistan were finalized.

The itinerary consists of three ODIs and as many T20Is. The fixtures start with the 50-overs contest, starting on Friday, September 27 at the National Stadium in Karachi. It will be the first time after 2009 that Karachi will be hosting an ODI. International cricket has already returned to Karachi though after the Caribbean series last year in April. The T20I series will take place in Lahore.

Sri Lanka all set to embark on their Pakistan journey

The Lankans will be led by Lahiru Thirimanne in the absence of Dimuth Karunaratne, one of the players, who refrained from going to Pakistan. Other big names, who didn’t travel to the nation was Lasith Malinga, the T20I skipper, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera and Akila Dananjaya. Kusal Mendis was unavailable for selection due to an injury sustained in the New Zealand T20Is.

A couple of days ago, the Lankan players landed in Pakistan and they were being welcomed whole-heartedly. Misbah-ul-Haq, the head coach of Pakistan team, said that security has been tightened and the local people shouldn’t be deprived off their right of watching international cricket.

Dasun Shanaka, the T20I skipper, also sounded positive about the security arrangements. In the meantime, the fans are excited about the match. Though, the toss has been delayed due to rain, the supporters are waiting in anticipation for some riveting action on the cricket pitch.

Here’s how Twitter is ready for the Karachi ODI

Lahiru Thirimanne "I can't ask other teams to come to Pakistan but the fact is you can only make your mind after you've come here and experienced security etc. This is a 2 week tour & maybe after our visit, a lot of other teams will follow our example & come to Pakistan" #PAKvSL

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 26, 2019

Its match day! #PAKvSL 🙌🏼Hoping to see a packed stadium.

— Roha Nadeem (@RohaNadym) September 27, 2019

Has there ever been so much hype around a cricket match just because of a new coach? It is as if Misbah will be a non-playing captain tomorrow. Also, loved this headline on ICC’s website: “Misbah's Pakistan set to take on new-look Sri Lanka in front of home fans.” #PakvSL

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) September 26, 2019

Thank you for providing a safe environment for us @TheRealPCB #SLvPak #PakvSL pic.twitter.com/iym45DhIfg

— Shehan Jayasuriya (@ShehanJaya12) September 27, 2019

Security seems very tight in 🇵🇰. Players are very much comfortable. Let's hope for a competitive tournament. Fantastic opportunity for players like Sadeera, Oshada, Dhanushka to prove they belong here in the international platform. #PAKvSL #CricketComesHome 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/dRt9P5hC73

— Amila Kalugalage (@akalugalage) September 27, 2019

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

Security convey escort the vans carrying Sri Lanka's cricket team as they arrive at the National Stadium in Karachi on September 26, 2019.#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/qIqDPLM0nD

— Wolvi® (@KingWolvi) September 27, 2019

The day has finally arrived #PAKvSL

— Bazid Khan (@bazidkhan81) September 27, 2019

Its time to relive this moment from my game in Karachi, Pakistan. I am not part of this series, but I am so happy and thrilled for these games.
Thanks for coming @OfficialSLC. Pakistan, lets show some love to this amazing team. #PakvSL #TheFalcon #TimeToFly #RiseAndRise pic.twitter.com/QfmSZk7KZI

— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) September 26, 2019

Here we come pakistan…. !! #PAKVSL @TheRealPCB pic.twitter.com/AV9XbWG7ha

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 24, 2019

Sarfaraz Ahmed "Our forces, agencies, army, local govt., police, everyone has made a lot of effort to help PCB. The message is simple for world cricket: Pakistan needs your support and if you support us, then cricket can come back to Pakistan" #PAKvSL #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 26, 2019

I feel honored to be part of the team that played the first bilateral ODI series in Lahore when cricket returned to Pakitan in 2015. I want to relive that unreal experience on Friday at NSK.

Karachi be there to be part of this historical #PAKvSL series. pic.twitter.com/NJTodLGbCb

— Haris Sohail (@iHarisSohail) September 25, 2019

Babar Azam raising his bat to the National Stadium Crowd will be the most special moment every Pakistan is waiting. Seeing your best players playing at home is a different feeling. 💓💪🏻 #PAKvSL

— Aqeel (@AqeelSays_) September 23, 2019

Only two Pakistani cricketers from the current team have played ODI at National Stadium Karachi, they are Sarfraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz.#PAKvSL

— Mirza Iqbal Baig (@mirzaiqbal80) September 26, 2019

Sarfaraz Ahmed "History will be made on Friday when Karachi will host the 1st bilateral ODI series since January 2009. I request all local cricket fans to be part of history so they can tell the next generation they were at the NSK when an international series was played" #PAKvSL

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) September 24, 2019