Sri Lanka's cricket board remains hopeful of going ahe with its tour of Pakistan but will await final all-clear from defense ministry, an official said Wednesday. Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary Mohan de Silva said he was satisfied with security arrangements of ir hosts, but reports last week of a possible terror attack h been referred to defense ministry for investigation. Sri Lanka team was target of an attack during a Test match in Pakistan's Lahore on March 2009. Six Sri Lankan players were injured when gunmen attacked ir bus. Six Pakistan policemen and two civilians were killed. Since attack, a majority of international teams have refused to tour South Asian country. Sri Lanka played one T20 match against Pakistan at Lahore in October 2017.

De Silva told AFP: "Earlier last month I visited Pakistan along with our security consultant and we were satisfied with arrangements. "y have promised security reserved for a he of state."

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Sri Lankan players pull out of Pak series

six-match tour, due to start on September 27, was put on hold last week after Sri Lanka's prime minister's office warned board that it h unspecified information about a possible attack against its players. Sri Lanka Cricket did t call off tour but inste asked government to reassess security situation and make a final determination about fate of tournament. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said it was t aware of any information relating to safety of Sri Lankan team but has reiterated its commitment to provide security. Ten senior players have opted out of tour citing security concerns. Sri Lanka has alrey anunced two squs for three One-Day Internationals and three T20 matches starting September 27.

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Shanaka and Thirimanne named as skippers

This news comes in a few days after a few Sri Lankan players h opted out of tour as ir families were uncomfortable with m playing in Pakistan, including Latish Malinga, Angelo Maws, and Dimuth Karunaratne. Following this development, Lahiru Thirimanne was anunced as skipper for ODI team and Shanaka was anunced as captain for T20 games. Sri Lanka is scheduled to play three ODI’s and as many T20’s in Karachi and Lahore. matches are scheduled between September 27 and October 9.

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