Colombo
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Friday announced a full-strength squad for the upcoming two-Test tour of Pakistan, with no regulars left behind — a significant show of confidence in security arrangements of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The islanders had visited Pakistan for two limited-overs series in September as well but as many as 10 of their first-teamers — including captain Dimuth Karunaratne had decided against making the trip citing security concerns.
However, the 16-man roster named today had no dropouts whatsoever, with regular skipper Karunaratne back leading his pack.
Furthermore, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera and Dhananjaya de Silva — all of who were absent from the touring party in September — are set to board the Pakistan-bound plane.
Even Suranga Lakmal, who was on the bus that came under the infamous terrorist attack in 2009 in Lahore, is also part of the squad.
The Sri Lankan team will leave for Pakistan on December 8. The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played in Rawalpindi from December 11, whereas the second and final one will be staged in Karachi from December 19.
Full squad:
Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Janith Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan.
Islamabad Capital Territory Police would provide VVIP security cover to Sri Lankan team during their visit to twin cities, decided in a meeting held here under the chairmanship of Inspector General Police, Aamir Zulfikar Khan. The meeting reviewed security arrangements of the visit the team and decided to provide foolproof security and deploy commandos for their security. The entry of irrelevant persons would be banned in the residential area of Sri Lankan team.
Special branch would allow the entry only through walk through gates in the hotel of team’s residence, said a press release issued here on Friday.
The police would maintain close coordination with other law enforcement agencies for providing security to the guest team.
Senior police officers including DIG Security Waqar Ahmed Chohan, DIG Operations Waqar ud din Syed, DG Safe City, DIG Sarfraz Ahmed, AIG Special Branch Muhammad Suleman, SSP Traffic, SSP CTF and AIG Operations was attended the meeting and give their input for security arrangements of the Sri Lankan team.—APP
