Saud Shakeel's double ton has put Pakistan in a strong position with hopes of ending their winless streak that has lasted for six Tests now against Sri Lanka on Day 3 of the first Test at Galle International Stadium.
"Really excited to be back in red-ball format and all eyes are on the Galle Test as we are prepared and ready for the challenge," the Pakistan skipper said ahead of the series as quoted by ICC.
Lanka T10 League was initially planned to be held in June 2023, was shifted to December, as SLC deemed the 'December window' as the most appropriate to conduct the league, as the timing will complement Sri Lanka's Domestic and International Cricketing Calendar.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Tuesday announced that Dilshan Madushanka, Dunith Wellalage, and Sahan Arachchige will fly to Zimbabwe as stand-by players for the WC Qualifier.
The squad is headlined by the return of star pacer Shaheen Afridi, who last featured in the longest format in July 2022 when he suffered a knee injury in a Test against Sri Lanka.
Left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage has not made it to the side, meanwhile, wicketkeeper Kusal Perera was not available due to his hamstring injury.
A technically sound batter, he will always to remembered for his remarkable performance in the World Cup 2011 final against India at the Wankhede Stadium. He had scored a brilliant century in the final but unfortunately ended up on the losing side.
Earlier, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) supported the BCCI over the matter of moving this year's Asia Cup tournament out of Pakistan.
Devon Thomas has been charged under Anti-Corruption codes on behalf of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He has been suspended by the International Cricket Council with immediate effect for the time being.
All 10 teams will play a total of two warm-up matches ahead of the start of the Qualifier on June 18, with sides to get some valuable match practice in prior to the commencement of the crucial event.