New Delhi: Sri Lanka limited-overs skipper Upul Tharanga has opted to pull out from the 3rd T20 game against Pakistan, which is scheduled to take place at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore on 29 October.
According to Cricbuzz, Tharanga decided to boycott the final T20 due to security concerns. His decision will now make him ineligible to represent Sri Lanka in the first two T20’s because the Sri Lanka Cricket Board has earlier stated that only one squad will be selected to play all 3 matches.
Among the cricketers who have agreed to tour Pakistan, all-rounder Thisara Perera is the only recognizable face. He was a part of the World XI squad that played the Independence Cup in Lahore.
Kusal Perera, who is recovering from hamstring injury, which he had sustained in June, will undergo MRI scan after which he is expected to lead the squad in Tharanga’s absence.
The PCB is making attempts to bring back international cricket to Pakistan. No top team has toured Pakistan after an attack on the Sri Lankan team at the Gaddafi stadium in 2009.