The Pakistan ‘A’ team has finally arrived in Sri Lanka for their month-long tour and the official press conference took place on Thursday evening at JAIC Hilton.
Pakistan ‘A’ team will play three one-day encounters followed by three four-day unofficial Test matches in what will be a dress rehearsal for the budding cricketers to claim their places in the national team.
SLC Head of Cricket Operations, Mr. Carlton Bernadus started the proceedings of the media briefing, “Firstly, let me extend the warm welcome to the Pakistan ‘A’ team to Sri Lanka. Both countries would want to ensure that their emerging players would go on and represent the respective national teams in the future. Immediately after the World Cup, you would find both countries have embarked on new players. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka cricket boards have agreed after several bilateral talks to conduct an ‘A’ tour six months prior to the main series.
Pakistan manager, Mr Naushad Ali addressed the gathering as well, “We are really grateful to the Sri Lanka Cricket board for organizing this tour. We have been looked after well and looking forward for the one-dayers and four-day matches. “
Sri Lanka ‘A’ skipper Ashan Priyanjan shared his views before this important home series, “We have a very good side with few Test cricketers alongside young and talented players. Hopefully, we can win the series and put up a good show on display.”
Pakistan ‘A’ skipper Fawad Alam was very confident in expressing his thoughts to the media,” We always enjoy playing cricket in Sri Lanka. All the players have a good chance of performing well before the national teams battle out in June. I hope there will be good playing conditions all around the country as well. Losing to Bangladesh recently was painful but they did play very good cricket throughout the past week.“
“This will be significant tour for Sri Lanka as this will start a new era, new beginning in Sri Lanka Cricket. A number of changes are expected in the side and lot of young blood will be given the opportunity to represent the national team in the future. Overall, Pakistan is always very competitive and they will be hard to beat. I wish all the very best to the visitors and hope you will enjoy the stay in our beautiful nation.” Sri Lanka ‘A’ head coach, Romesh Kaluwitharana said.
Pakistan ‘A’ coach, Mohammed Akram made his comments on the upcoming challenge, “Sri Lanka is just like home. We really love the hospitality here. Both countries are going through a transition period in their Cricket and they will be anticipating much out of this tour. We have prepared well as we had a 10-day training camp. Our side is a mix of young and experience. I am really excited for this challenge.”
Both captains shook hands in front of all cameramen at the end of the media conference and then all the people present enjoyed a simple fellowship.
Tour itinerary:
1st one-day match on April 26th at Uyanwatte Stadium, Matara.
2nd one-day match on April 29th at Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Hambanota.
3rd one-day match on May 2nd at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
1st four-day match from May 6 to 9 at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
2nd four-day match from May 13 to 16 at Pallekele Stadium, Kandy.
3rd four-day match from May 20 to 23 at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium, Dambulla.
