Another Sri Lankan agrees to tour Pakistan

COLOMBO: Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara has decided to join Sri Lankan team that will tour Pakistan for third and final Twenty20 International on Sunday.

Talking to the media in Colombo, Jayasekara said Sri Lanka was satisfied with security preparations for the Twenty20 final to be held in Lahore this week, despite reservations from some players.

“It is safe for our team. I am accompanying them to demonstrate that it is safe for us,” local media quoted Jayasekara. “The ICC [International Cricket Council] has also said it is safe for us to tour Pakistan.”

Meanwhile, several top players, including captain Upul Tharanga have pulled out of the three-match series starting from today (Thursday) in United Arab Emirates, concerned about security when the final shifts to Lahore on October 29. According to reports, Sri Lankan coach Nic Pothas will also not join the squad in Lahore.

This will be Sri Lanka’s first visit to Pakistan since 2009 when gunmen opened fire on their squad bus, killing eight people and injuring seven visiting team members and support staff.