Pakistan gets Sri Lankan backing

Pakistan gets Sri Lankan backing

With teams pulling out from the Champions Trophy that’s scheduled in Pakistan from 12th of September, due to security concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) got the backing of traditional allies Sri Lanka when their captain Mahela Jayawardene and opening batsman Sanath Jayasuriya saw no issues to be worried with the security in Pakistan.

Answering a question posted by ‘Sunday Island’ during yesterday’s media briefing at R. Premadasa Stadium, Jayawardene said he had no problems with the security in Pakistan. "We played the Asia Cup there not too long ago and everything was okay when it came to security," Jayawardene said.

Former captain and opener Sanath Jayasuriya too echoed same sentiments. "When we were in Pakistan, they looked after us very well and as far as I am concerned, there’s nothing to be worried about," Jayasuriya, who’ll be playing a record sixth Champions Trophy tournament told ‘Sunday Island’.

Jayawardene also added that rather than security matters, he was more focused on the impending competition, the second most important tournament in the cricket calendar after the ICC World Cup.

"Once we finish this series, we’ll start to prepare fresh for the Champions Trophy. Whether it’s Pakistan or anywhere else, we want to concentrate on the tournament itself," Jayawardene added.

Australia and South Africa have already pulled out of the tournament due to security fears while the participation of England and New Zealand also hangs on the balance.

Pakistan, meanwhile, backed up by India are threatening to boycott the tournament if it’s held anywhere other than Pakistan.

---------- The Island