ISLAMABAD: Kumar Sangakkara, former Sri Lanka captain and renowned cricket commentator, stoked the fire with his remarks advocating India’s cricket matches in Pakistan, along with other things.
When asked about players’ reports that they had asked to postpone the tour to Pakistan due to security issues, Sangakkara refused such concerns by saying, “Friendships, which are friendships, you can never forsake.”
He also referred to the 2009 attack on the team bus in Lahore, recalling that the Pakistan security forces not only saved the day but were heroic in preventing the situation from getting worse.
“I was in the team which got attacked in Lahore but after that, I have still been to Pakistan countless times and will keep doing it. There is a special pleasure in playing the game in Pakistan and the love of Pakistani fans is what always lures me back,” said Sangakkara.
At the moment, the Sri Lankan team is in Rawalpindi to play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan that will be followed by a tri-nation series with Zimbabwe.
Talking to sources, India was said to have tried to convince Sri Lanka to cancel the Pakistan tour by offering a series in India. But the Sri Lankan Cricket Board turned down the proposal and decided to go on with the Pakistan tour.
Sangakkara’s statements have been widely shared on Twitter and other platforms where he got a warm reception in Pakistan but which angered the fans and journalists of India.
‘Your security is our responsibility’: Mohsin Naqvi meets Sri Lankan Cricket team in Rawalpindi
Moreover, Mohsin Naqvi, the Federal Interior Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), went to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday to meet the Sri Lankan cricket team, which was preparing for their next match.
Naqvi was also joined by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Fred Sri Wiratne and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry. He closely watched over the security measures during his visit and even got to talk to the security guards who were very impressed with his support. They also promised to continue their good work.
Mohsin Naqvi when talking to the players who had come to Pakistan for the match, said: “Your current stay in Pakistan is a triumph of love over hate and a defeat for terrorism”. The whole nation will thank you forever for your loyalty and love. The lovely moment of Pakistan-Sri Lanka friendship will be Pakistan’s heritage forever.”
Moreover, Naqvi also met with Pakistani players and watched them practice, while the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, who seemed very relaxed and comfortable, referred to Pakistan as his “second home.”
The Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, Commissioner Rawalpindi, IG Islamabad Police, and other senior law enforcement officers were present at the occasion, showing the great level of coordination that is going on to guarantee the safety of the players from other countries.
