Former Sri Lanka cricketer Sidath Wettimuny has praised the national team for taking what he described as the correct decision to remain in Pakistan and continue the tour.
Pakistani authorities have assured President-level security to the Sri Lankan team throughout the series.
Speaking to NewsWire, Wettimuny said Sri Lanka should never forget the support Pakistan extended during one of the most challenging moments in the country’s cricket history.
“I am glad the Sri Lanka team is staying back. We can’t forget the support Pakistan gave us in that 1996 World Cup,” he said.
During the 1996 tournament, Australia and the West Indies refused to play in Sri Lanka due to security concerns at the time. In response, Pakistan and India sent a combined team to Colombo for an exhibition match to show solidarity and demonstrate that Sri Lanka was capable of hosting its World Cup fixtures.
“When everyone was backing out in 1996, Pakistan and India saved us. They were extremely nice to us, and it’s only right that we support them in this difficult time,” Wettimuny added.
He said the continuation of the tour reflects the long-standing cricketing friendship between the two nations.
“I am glad the tour is on. The correct decision has been made,” he said. (Newswire)