Sri Lanka name squad for Pakistan tri-series as Pindi tightens security

Sri Lanka have named a 16-man squad led by Kusal Mendis for next month’s one-day international tri-series in Pakistan, as Rawalpindi brought in 1,500 extra police and 50 snipers to secure the matches.

Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka has been included but will travel only if he is declared medically fit, The Express Tribune reported. The tri-series, which also features England, begins on October 18 and is part of Sri Lanka’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup.

Sri Lanka squad

Kusal Mendis (captain), Sahan Arachchige, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Avishka Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage.

The squad mixes experience and youth. Former captain Dasun Shanaka and spin all-rounder Dunith Wellalage add balance, Maheesh Theekshana and wrist-spinner Sachindu Colombage lead the spin attack, and Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Madushanka and Malinga make up the pace attack.

Before the ODIs, Sri Lanka play three T20 internationals against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on October 9, 11 and 13.

The tri-series schedule:

• October 18, 20 and 22: first three ODIs in Rawalpindi
• October 25, 27 and 29: next three ODIs in Lahore
• October 31: final in Lahore

New Zealand’s Jeffrey Crowe, an ICC Elite Panel match referee, will oversee all seven matches.

Rawalpindi prepares

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host seven matches between October 4 and November 13, including practice games, Dawn reported. Rawalpindi Commissioner Salman Ghani said all arrangements were complete.

Security and public arrangements include:

• Police: more than 1,500 extra personnel from the Special Protection Unit, Gujrat and Sheikhupura, along with Elite Force teams and 50 snipers
• Equipment: 200 walkie-talkies and 20 police pick-up vans
• Surveillance: walk-through gates, CCTV, and 200 extra cameras on top of the Safe City system
• Entry: a Nadra verification counter at the gate and a control room at the sports complex
• Health: a 30-bed emergency field hospital at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute, plus ambulances and a fire brigade
• Fans: parking at Rawal Park and Satellite Town College, with shuttle buses to the stadium

The food street on Double Road has been closed since October 3, and traffic police have set out alternative routes.

“A positive image of Pakistan”

Ghani said the visiting players should experience Pakistan’s hospitality in a peaceful environment, and that the series would help project a positive image of the country. He urged the public to cooperate with the authorities in the national interest.

England without Buttler

England will tour without Jos Buttler, who is injured. The tri-series runs from October 18 to 31 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the final in Lahore, before Pakistan play two Tests against Sri Lanka in November.

Why it matters

Hosting two international teams in one season is a big statement of Pakistan’s ability to stage world cricket safely. With the World Cup a year away, every match counts for all three sides. Read our report on Pakistan’s home season and World Cup build-up.

This article draws on reporting by The Express Tribune and Dawn.