Sri Lanka players refuse to visit Lahore for the last T20I

Though the International Cricket Council (ICC) and other boards are trying their best to bring back international cricket to Pakistan, things look far from repaired on that front. According to reports, Sri Lanka players, who are currently playing a 5-match ODI series against Pakistan in UAE, have expressed their disapproval to the board by refusing to travel to Lahore for the last T20I game.

As many as forty contracted players, of the current squad and from back home, have handed a signed letter to the Sri Lanka board, requesting a venue change for the third T20I game. An SLC source told Cricbuzz, “SLC will have a quick chat to the players very soon. We don't intend to disturb them in middle of a series, but we are left with no option but to address the issue. The ICC also will meet the players on Saturday to brief them about the situation in Lahore.”

International cricket was stopped in Pakistan back in 2009 when the Sri Lankan team bus came under a terrorist attack, outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which ended up injuring several players and support staff. Barring Zimbabwe in 2015, no team has visited Pakistan since.

ICC had sent a World XI last month led by South Africa’s Faf du Plessis hoping to prove that things are on the end, but it might take more time than expected. However, Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera, who was a part of that team, hasn’t signed the letter and seems convinced of Pakistan’s safety claims.

The only way the Lahore game can be played is if Sri Lanka decide to send a second-string side. However, that might make things look gloomy. "We are looking at all possibilities. Pakistan has been one our closest allies and we don't want to let them down," the source added.