Shoaib Akhtar recalls Pakistan's support to Sri Lanka after 10 players opt out
'Pakistan has always been a huge support for SL cricket.'
Legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar took to social media to express disappointment after several players including pacer Lasith Malinga, former captain Angelo Mathews and current skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, among others, chose to not partake in the upcoming series in Pakistan. He recalled previous facts to highlight how supportive Pakistan had been towards Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
Akhtar — who is the third cricket personality to speak up after Ramiz Raja and Javed Miandad — responded by saying:
"So disappointed with the 10 Sri Lankan players who have pulled out of Pakistan tour.
"Pakistan has always been a huge support for SL cricket."
He added that when there were security concerns in Sri Lanka after the deadly Easter attacks, Pakistan upheld their commitment and was the first to send their U19 cricket team.
"Recently after deadly Easter Attacks in SL, our under-19 team was sent on tour there, being the first international team to volunteer."
He further recalled, "and ofcourse who can forget the 1996 World Cup when Australia & West Indies refused to tour Sri Lanka."
"Pakistan sent a combined team with India to play a friendly match in Colombo."
The 'Rawalpindi Express' diplomatically stated that the SLC is not at fault as they're still sending a team, rather it is the players who should be more mindful.
"We expect reciprocation from Sri Lanka. Their board is cooperating, players should also," he said.
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