New look 16 man Lankan squad for T20 series against Pakistan

ESPNCricinfo: Allrounder Thisara Perera will lead a new-look, 16-man Sri Lankan squad to play the T20I series against Pakistan starting next Thursday. The shake-up is the result of some first-choice players - including the regular limited-overs captain Upul Tharanga - refusing to play in Lahore, where the third match of the series is scheduled.

Two days ago, the SLC chief selector Graeme Labrooy had confirmed that only those willing to travel to Lahore would be considered for the squad. That decision was taken by the board in consultation with the Sri Lankan sports ministry. This has brought about nine changes to the squad that last played India in September.

In addition to Tharanga’s refusal, selectors have also confirmed that Lasith Malinga, Niroshan Dickwella, Chamara Kapugedara, Akila Dananjaya and Suranga Lakmal were all unavailable for selection as well. Lakmal and Kapugedara had been on the team bus that was attacked by gunmen in 2009.

Head coach Nic Pothas and physiotherapist Nirmalan Thanabalasingham have also refused to travel to Lahore, but are likely to be with the team for the UAE leg of the series. SLC has reasoned that as the team is only in Lahore for 24 hours, the absence of two regular members of the support staff will not make a substantial difference. A replacement physiotherapist is expected to make the trip.

In what is a sign of the recent upheaval Sri Lanka have experienced, Thisara is set to become the seventh man to captain Sri Lanka this year, with Tharanga, Angelo Mathews, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath, Dinesh Chandimal and Chamara Kapugedera having borne the captaincy in some format, in 2017. While Thisara’s ODI from has continued to flounder, his T20 form was good in the recent World XI matches in Lahore. In fact, he was Player of the Match in the second of those three T20s, largely for his 19-ball 47 not out. Among the notable names in the squad is batsman Danushka Gunathilaka, who regained his place after completing a suspension for a lethargic attitude towards training. Sadeera Samarawickrama, the 22-year old batsman who won his first Test and ODI caps on this tour, is also in the squad. He was one of two uncapped players in the shortest format, alongside wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka, who will be getting his first taste of any kind of international cricket. Sri Lanka have also recalled Mahela Udawatte, who has not played for them in eight years.

Allrounder Dasun Shanaka will leave Sri Lanka A’s tour in the Caribbean to take part in this series. He brings with him some batting form, having struck 102 off 108 balls and 60 off 85 in the ongoing four-day match against West Indies A. That this is a very inexperienced outfit is no surprise. Over the last two weeks, it has become apparent that better-established players would refuse to play in Lahore, while fringe players were more likely to take the tour on. SLC was hopeful a full-strength team would be available, but had not succeeded in convincing many of the more experienced players of the security arrangements.

Thisara says captaining Sri Lanka is a dream come true

indianexpress.com: After all-rounder Thisara Perera was asked to lead a 15-man Sri Lankan squad for the three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan, the hard-hitting all-rounder expressed delight at his new role and revealed that it was a dream come true for him.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Perera said: “I am really happy. I’m really proud of myself because everyone has a dream to be a captain anywhere. This was my dream, and it has come true. I’m really happy at the moment.”

However, Perera will be leading a somewhat depleted squad as Sri Lankan limited overs captain Upul Tharanga, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Niroshan Dickwella and Chamara Kapugedara reportedly withdrew from the tour of Pakistan amidst concerns over security.

Expressing satisfaction with the squad, he said: “I’m happy with the squad because everyone can bat and bowl. In T20 matches we need part-time bowlers and big hitters. I think this team can do something special this series,” said Thisara, who will want to turn things around for Sri Lanka after a dismal outing in the one-day series. When asked if missing out on the big names was a concern, he said: “Yes, actually we had a good bunch of players in the country. Never mind because I got new talents. Hopefully, we will do our best for our country with my team.”

Foolproof security to be ensured in Pakistan for Sri Lankan cricket team

Lahore (APP): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Capt (retd) Arif Nawaz Khan on Saturday said that all resources would be utilised to make foolproof security arrangements for the Sri Lankan team touring here to play the third T20 cricket match.

The Lahore police have ensured the best security measures for the last two years for the international cricket players, visiting here to play cricket matches, he said and added that no effort would be spared in ensuring elaborative security for the third T20 cricket match to be held on 29 October in Lahore.

He expressed these views while taking to the media after laying foundation stone of a new building of RPO Sheikhupura office on Multan Road here.

Additional IG Welfare and Finance Muhammad Tahir, RPO Sheikhpura Zulfiqar Hameed, DPO Nankana Sahib Bilal Umar, DPO Kasoor Zulfiqar Ahmed, CTO lahore Ray Ejaz Ahmad and senior officer were also present.

He said that police hospitals project had become operational in Lahore and Sargodha and soon the best medical facilities would be provided to the policemen of other districts of province.

He also ordered for completing RPO office building within 18 months and maintaining standards in construction of the building.