PCB disappointed at SLC Chief's comments over security arrangements
The Sri Lankan team played a three-match ODI series in Karachi followed by a three-match T20 series in Lahore, where they registered a historic 3-0 win over the top-ranked hosts.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has expressed its disappointment over Sri Lanka Cricket chief, Shammi Silva’s media remarks that his team felt overburdened by the strict security arrangements during their recently concluded tour of Pakistan.
On returning to Colombo, Silva reportedly addressed the media and told that the players were stifled of being confined to their hotel rooms for three to four days in Pakistan.
The visitors played a three-match ODI series in Karachi followed by a three-match T20 series in Lahore, where they claimed a historic 3-0 victory over the top-ranked hosts.
The depleted Sri Lankan team participated in the tour without their 10 top players who pulled out of the tournament citing security concerns. However, the squad was accompanied by SLC President and Secretary and the Sri Lankan Sports Minister.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source said top officials had communicated their displeasure with SLC after learning about Silva’s comments.
Also read: Sri Lanka earns 35-run victory over top-ranked Pakistan in 2nd T20
“The PCB is very disappointed and hurt over such comments as presidential level security was provided to the visiting team on the insistence of their board. We wanted to make their stay as comfortable as possible,” the source said.
The source said the PCB has reminded Lankan board officials that the players were given the option of going out to play golf and do some shopping while they were also entertained at official dinners and functions.
Silva’s remarks have come as a surprise for the PCB which is keen to build on the recent tour and have the full Sri Lankan team play two Tests of the ICC World Championship in Pakistan in December.
The PCB is also trying to host the entire edition of the fifth Pakistan Super League in the country besides inviting Bangladesh to play its Test series in Pakistan.
The source added that although some strong security measures were in place for the visiting players but remarks such as they were “fed-up” after being confined to their hotel were not fair.
(With inputs from agencies)
