Tens of thousands of security will be deployed here in Lahore on Sunday when Sri Lanka become the first major cricket team to visit Pakistan since they were targeted in a deadly ambush in 2009
Tens of thousands of security will be deployed here in Lahore on Sunday when Sri Lanka become the first major cricket team to visit Pakistan since they were targeted in a deadly ambush in 2009. Several Sri Lankan players and officials, including survivors who came under gunfire in 2009 and their head coach, have opted out of the Twenty20 fixture, after some voiced concern about security following ongoing militant attacks. But manager Asanka Gurusinha and batting coach Hashan Tillakaratne — both part of the Sri Lankan team which won the 1996 World Cup final against Australia in Lahore — will be with the squad.
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Pakistani troops stand guard at the main entrance of Gaddafi Stadium ahead of scheduled Twenty20 international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in Lahore, Pakistan, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017. Pakistan will showcase its security capabilities to the cricketing world for the third time in eight months when Sri Lanka plays a Twenty20 international at the heavily guarded Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. Pic/AP/PTI
Pakistan's Ahsan Raza, a reserve umpire in 2009 who was among those shot — and needed emergency surgery to repair a collapsed lung and damaged liver — will also be on the field. "It's a great honour that I will be umpiring in the match," said Raza. "They have set their every fear aside... their tour will have a great impact on the revival of cricket in Pakistan." Meanwhile, In Abu Dhabi, all-rounder Shadab Khan hit a last over six to give Pakistan a sensational two-wicket win in the second Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka on Friday. Needing 12 off the final over, and eight from the last three balls, Shadab smashed SL pacer Vikum Sanjaya for a six and then took a couple off the next delivery to help Pakistan chase down a modest 125-run target in 19.5 overs.
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