Pre match conference: Pakistan safe place for cricket, says Karunaratne

"Pakistan is a safe place for cricket, now I regret why I did not play ODI series in Pakistan, said Sri Lankan Test team captain Dimuth Karunaratne. Azhar said that Fawad was capable to perform well but they would go with same batting combination. One change is expected - Yasir will replace Shinwari in second Test match.

Speaking at a press conference held at National Stadium Karachi (NSK), Karunaratne said that he had never been to Pakistan and his refusal to play ODI series in Pakistan was based on the news and social media but his teammates who played ODI and T20 series in Pakistan gave positive inputs that compelled senior players to come and play Test series in Pakistan.

"After witnessing security arrangements and hospitality in Pakistan, now I regret why I did not play ODI series in Pakistan," he said; adding that other cricket teams should come and play cricket in Pakistan. He said that Karachi had different weather condition as compared to Rawalpindi hence they would go with one more pacer in second Test at NSK.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Test team skipper Azhar Ali at a separate presser at NSK said that they had discussed all aspects and finalized best combination for 2nd Test match to produce best possible results.

"Although our pace attack is inexperienced, they have produced satisfactory results in first Test match hence I am hoping that they will perform in second Test as well," he said.

Moreover, he said that batting performance of Abid and Babar in first Test match were positives for our side and if they play in second Test in similar fashion, it would help Pakistan to produce favorable results.

"Criticism on my performance is justified but I always try to perform well and there will be no reason to stay with the team when I realize myself as extra baggage," he added.

Azhar said that Fawad was capable to perform well but they had decided to go with same batting combination. One change is expected - Yasir will replace Shinwari in second Test match.