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After concluding a hard-fought battle with Australia, Sri Lanka is scheduled to host Pakistan for a two-match Test series. The series is set to kick start on Saturday (17th July) with the first Test scheduled to take place at Galle International Stadium, in Galle, followed by the second Test match at R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Notably, Pakistan locked horns with Sri Lanka XI in a single warm-up game as the match ended in a draw.
However, the latest reports have suggested that the bilateral tour might be in jeopardy as the Pakistan Cricket Board are closely monitoring the situation in the island nation, which is facing massive public outburst after the Lankan president fled away from the country following the economic and political crisis.
A source close to the development has stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board is keeping a close watch on the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka and in constant touch with players. "We are constantly talking to our cricketers. And if they feel scared and anything looks out of control we will call our boys back," claimed a highly-placed source. Even Geo news has reported that Pakistan officials are in touch with Sri Lanka cricket board and they are monitoring the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka.
Commenting on the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka, Australia's red-ball skipper Pat Cummins shared that he along with his teammates had a chat with the hotel staff and drivers where they informed the cricketers that they get to eat on alternate days as they have to feed their kids.
"The situation is not so pleasing. The drivers and hotel staff are able to feed themselves on alternate days. We would like to express utmost gratitude towards the Sri Lankan crowd for cheering for us despite going through such difficult times," Cummins had said.
Having said that, Sri Lanka recently pulled off a successful bilateral tour when the Australian team travelled to the island nation to play a multi-format series. While Australia clinched the three-match T20Is, the hosts recovered strongly as they defeated the visitors in the five-match ODI series. The two-match Test series ended in a draw after both the teams won a game each.