Lahiru Thirimanne, captain of Sri Lankan cricket team, ahead of first ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, said that focus should be on cricket rar than security. He said that security has been really good and that players have t encountered any problems. He also added that facilities are really good and that focus should be on game rar than on security.

"We can win if full potential is used"

While speaking to a sports ncy, he said that team has a lot of youngsters and that most of m are under 25. He said that y have played a lot of domestic cricket and have represented Sri Lanka earlier. He also went on to say that body has any kind of pressure and that y have a good chance at winning if y play to ir full potential.

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His comment came in connection with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) seeking assistance of Pakistan’s government for a reassessment of security situation in country. While seeking assistance, it had said measure was being sought after a warning that SLC received from Prime Minister's Office sent via Ministry of Telecommunication, Foreign Employment and Sports regarding a possible terrorist threat to team while touring Pakistan.

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10 players had backed out

Ten Sri Lankan players Including Lasith Malinga, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Thisara Perera, Akila Dhananjaya, Angelo Maws, Suranga Lakmal, Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne had backed out of game and had chosen to t to join series in Pakistan due to security concerns. 

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2009 attack had eluded Pakistan from holding matches

In 2009, Sri Lankan team, while y were on ir way to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a Test match with Pakistan, was fired at indiscriminately by terrorists believed to be from Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ). attack had left eight people dead and injured seven Sri Lankan players and staff. 2009 attack had led to Pakistan being eluded by international cricket and high-profile team could visit nation for a full-length tour. However, Sri Lanka had, in October 2017, made its return to Imran Khan-led country in for a T20 match in Lahore. 

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