Pakistan squad lands in Sri Lanka, Dambulla T20Is up next

News Desk

Colombo: Pakistan’s T20 squad has touched down in Sri Lanka ahead of the three-match T20I series, with the tour carrying significance beyond cricket as both sides gear up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and Sri Lanka looks to use the series to project a positive national image.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), national players including Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Tariq arrived in Colombo in two batches.

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson, bowling coach Ashley Noffke, the fielding coach and other support staff also reached the island nation on Monday.

The team landed at Bandaranaike International Airport around 5pm and was warmly received by officials from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

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Representatives of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau were also present, underlining the broader significance being attached to the tour.

Soon after their arrival, the Pakistan squad departed for Dambulla, where all three T20Is will be staged at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on January 7, 9 and 11.

The series forms a key part of preparations for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, offering players a chance to fine-tune combinations and assess conditions similar to those expected at the global event.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket has announced that the Pakistan tour will be aligned with the government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ programme. As part of this initiative, profits generated from the series will be donated to the programme, while awareness campaigns will be run during matches.

SLC will also promote the #VisitSriLanka hashtag across match venues and broadcasts, using the high-profile series to showcase the country to an international audience.

The opening T20I will be played on Wednesday, with the series concluding on January 11.