Pakistan is still in revival mode when it comes to the complete revival of International cricket. After ODIs and T20s, Pakistan has now finally hosted successful Tests against a side which was initially hesitant on coming to Pakistan because of security measures.
Sri-Lankan team was skeptical when the side was earlier to play against Pakistan in Pakistan and the side that did come to Pakistan was dubbed as ‘Sri Lanka C’. The ODIs and t20s were done and dusted then. However, there was another test series planned and with the World Test Championship underway, Sri Lanka had to field their best players on Pakistani soil to get the needed points. However, Pakistan won the series 1-0.
Sri Lankan players were then interviewed as to what was their experience coming to Pakistan. This is what their captain had to say, regarding the security personnel:
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Really good. They were like fathers for us. They kept talking to us and they were right behind us every time. When we were going out to eat or something, they were there. We were feeling secure and safe here. They’ve done a really good job. Pakistan fans are really good — they kept supporting us. What I can say is that it’s really safe here and that all the other countries playing cricket can come and play Tests, T20s or one-dayers — it’s safe to play in Pakistan.
Regarding this, Ehsan Mani stated happily:
Now the whole world knows cricket has come back to Pakistan and it is completely safe. There was no incident and the Sri Lankan players were very happy. If anything, they wanted more freedom of movement and that will happen in due course. When people slowly get more comfortable, that will begin to happen
No one should be under any misapprehension as to where Pakistan’s home Tests will take place,” he said. “All of Pakistan’s matches, against Bangladesh or anyone else, will take place in Pakistan. No one should be in any doubt about this. I still hope the BCB will reflect on the matter and accept there is no reason for them not to visit Pakistan
If Sri Lanka can come — and bringing them was very high risk — then it is safe. (Other teams) will have to prove Pakistan is not safe. We think it’s safe, and we have shown the world it’s safe.
What happened in Christchurch [with the mosque shootings while Bangladesh was nearby], the incidents that happen in Australia and England happen all around the world. India is in far greater turmoil from a security perspective than Pakistan is. We will listen to everyone who is worried about coming here, but ultimately they’ll have to prove it isn’t safe to come here. I will not take a risk with any players’ safety or security
