Shoaib Akhtar Disappointed with SL Players for not Touring Pakistan

Lahore: Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar has expressed disappointment after 10 Sri Lankan players have decided to pull out of their country’s upcoming tour of Pakistan for the three ODIs and as many T20I matches.

Expressing his disappointment, Shoaib Akhtar reminded the islanders as how Pakistan has “always been a huge support for Sri Lanka cricket”.

“So disappointed with the 10 Sri Lankan players who have pulled out of Pakistan tour. Pakistan has always been a huge support for Sri Lanka cricket. Recently after (the) deadly Easter Attacks in Sri Lanka, our under-19 team was sent on tour there, being the first international team to volunteer,” Akhtar tweeted.

“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,” he added.

Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Thisara Perera, Akila Dhananjaya, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Suranga Lakmal, Dinesh Chandimal, and Dimuth Karunaratne have opted out of the tour as their families were reportedly uncomfortable with the tour.

After this, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced Lahiru Thirimanne as the skipper of Sri Lanka’s ODI squad while Dasun Shanaka will lead the team in the T20I games during the tour.

International cricket was put on hold in Pakistan after a touring Sri Lankan team in March 2009 was attacked by gunmen on their way to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on the third morning of the second of the two Tests series. IANS

Also Read: India A Inch Closer to Victory Against South Africa A

Also Watch:Bike Borne Robbers loot Man at Digboi-Duliajan Road, Takes away Cash