SLC to ‘seriously consider’ replacing New Zealand in Pakistan if invited

19 September 2021 11:41 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 23 Bookmark

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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) would ‘seriously consider’ replacing New Zealand in Pakistan should they receive an invitation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) according to SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva.

Pakistan were all set to take on New Zealand in an ODI and T20 series in Pakistan only to be called off at the last minute following the security concerns cited by New Zealand which has cost PCB millions. However, SLC Secretary Mohan de Silva exclusively revealed to the ‘Daily Mirror’ that they ‘would seriously consider an invitation to replace New Zealand.’

“As you all know PCB is a great friend of SLC and I am personally disappointed about the cancellation. I am very proud to say I went to Pakistan before sending our team in 2019 to observe the strength of their security. It was unbelievable the protection they offer – they have all the latest security systems in place. You have hundreds of cameras all set and a person can’t even move without being noticed. So, I have full confidence about Pakistan security.

So, if the PCB invites us, this is something we would seriously consider,” Silva told the ‘Daily Mirror’.

Newly appointed PCB chairman Ramiz Raja was clearly frustrated by New Zealand’s decision to cancel the series.

“Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players. Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is NZ living in??NZ will hear us at ICC,” former Pakistan captain tweeted on Friday (17).

Pakistan captain and one of the finest batsmen in the world right now, Babar Azam joined Ramiz Raja in sharing his disappointment.

“Extremely disappointed in the abrupt postponement of the series, which could have brought the smiles back for millions of Pakistan cricket fans. I've full trust in the capabilities and
credibility of our security agencies. They are our pride and always will be! Pakistan Zindabad!” Azam said.

(Harsha Amarasinghe)

Comments - 23

Rohan Abeygunawardena Monday, 20 September 2021 07:04 AM

Yes, Pakistan is a good friend of Sri Lankan Cricket. PCB helped many ways to develop our cricket pre test status era as well as later. Sending a team from Sri Lanka at a time like this is a good gesture.

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Nadeeka Abeyrathna Monday, 20 September 2021 08:25 AM

yes even in 2009 Pakistan promised head of state security and we all know what happened. NZ left as their Govt and Intelligence got a credible lead about an attack, this shows SLC only follows money, not safety of players.

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Mizaru Monday, 20 September 2021 08:48 AM

Sri Lanka to replace New Zealand? What a joke.

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Byshel Monday, 20 September 2021 09:00 AM

Get them to play here

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Syed Aijaz Haider Monday, 20 September 2021 09:05 AM

New Zealand should be banned from playing cricket any where in the world.

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Ramon Alwis Monday, 20 September 2021 10:32 AM

have you forgotten that our cricketers almost died in Pakistan some years back the New Zealand Govt loves their citizens more than ours..God Bless Lanka

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Gananayayake Monday, 20 September 2021 11:09 AM

That's your point of view not necessarily agreeable to the larger world community. The information came from "the 5 eyes " (intelligence network of UK, US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada). Every country has to take its call depending upon the "importance" and risk it places on their citizen's life.

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Disillusioned Monday, 20 September 2021 11:27 AM

For taking good care of their players safety?

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Sunny Monday, 20 September 2021 11:48 AM

Should be banned nz

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Joshua Monday, 20 September 2021 09:15 AM

So we have no security concerns and you ate only worried of dollars?

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Edward Arthur Padmasiri Monday, 20 September 2021 10:04 AM

SLC, we appreciate it if your intention is to help Pakistan. But please don't show the world that we are so cheap and that we do not value our players as much as NZ does.

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Abdul Basit Monday, 20 September 2021 10:12 AM

Couldn't describe what New Zealand done really disappointed sham on you @New Zealand

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Dee Monday, 20 September 2021 10:55 AM

Anything of it brings in the $!

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Freddy Foxx Monday, 20 September 2021 11:02 AM

New Zealand's security system is far ahead of Sri Lanka and if there was a security concern Se LC should take heed of it without exposing its' team for the sake of a handful of dollars. If the last attack on the SL team in Pakistan is still fresh on your damn minds you idiots would not even consider any such offer. I don't think our players' wou ld want to risk their necks.

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Mohamed Monday, 20 September 2021 11:09 AM

New Zealand prime minister says that they had credible info to leave pakistan. So dear SLC pls do not send lanka cricketers in order to get some revenue. Do not use fellow lankans as shields.

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Ajith Monday, 20 September 2021 11:48 AM

Firstly, in the form SL Team is ( has been since 2015) I don't think even Pakistan wants to play us. SLC is so desperate, they are even ready to play in Afghanistan now!

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Riyaz Monday, 20 September 2021 01:09 PM

Nobody would pay to watch Pakistan play against SL.

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Sambo Monday, 20 September 2021 02:06 PM

Do we have a team to send. The SLC is not worried about winning or losing they only want to fill their pockets.

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Seqi Monday, 20 September 2021 02:07 PM

SLC fishing for an invite.....welcome to the minnows of cricket.

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CNW PATHIRANA Monday, 20 September 2021 05:28 PM

What a joke ? when one country find a security threat we send our boys are they guinea pigs ?

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Chandana Monday, 20 September 2021 11:45 PM

Seeing some of the comments here is disappointing, yes NZ got credible security alert but assurance was given by the Pakistani PM and I think NZ should have gone ahead. But that aside, I can't believe some of the comments here, you'll are being so ungrateful to a country who stood by us during the LTTE era how many times has Pakistan sent it's team even right after a bomb attack Pakistan along with India sent a team to play here. Stop being so ungrateful

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Heshan Fernando Tuesday, 21 September 2021 01:50 PM

We must include super trio for the pakistan tour

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R. Anthony Tuesday, 21 September 2021 03:32 PM

Whats behind the good will Gesture? You never know what SLC, and Mohan de Silva are upto at the cost of our Cricket Team. Watch out boys.

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