Cricket: Sri Lanka set for landmark Pakistan visit

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Sri Lankan cricket team is arriving in Pakistan on Sunday to play against the home side in a landmark development that marks the end of the country's 8-year isolation from international cricket.

The visiting team will play the only match -- as part of an ongoing series being played in the United Arab Emirates -- in northeastern Lahore city, where they were ambushed by the militants in 2009.

Local stadiums were left deserted since the ambush in which six of the Sri Lankan team were injured. In the same attack six Pakistani policemen and two civilians were killed.

Since then, the cricket-crazy nation starved of international cricket at the home grounds, apart from a three-match limited over series against Zimbabwe in 2015.

Pakistan has played most of its home series at the UAE grounds since 2009.

The final of Pakistan's domestic cricket tournament -- Pakistan Super League -- which was played in Lahore in March this year featured some high-profile international players, setting the tone for end of the hiatus.

This led to the cricket's governing body, International Cricket Council-patronized visit of the World XI featuring players from different countries last month, another event that strengthened Islamabad's stand for restoration of international cricket on its soil.

Security has been fortified in Lahore ahead of the much-awaited match, which according to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials could pave the way for full restoration of international cricket in the country.

PCB Chairman Najam Sethi told reporters that the West Indies would be the next team to visit Pakistan in coming months.

If things go as planned, according to Sethi, the international cricket will be fully restored in Pakistan by 2020.

"This is a great moment for all Pakistanis. We are very excited to see and welcome the Sri Lankan team", Tariq Hussein, a cricket-lover told Anadolu Agency.

"I really thank the Sri Lankan players who agreed to play in Pakistan", he said adding that no one could even think of the development less than year ago.

Thousands queued outside banks and outlets to purchase tickets, as excitement built for the return of cricket to a country infatuated with the sport.

Welcoming banners inscribed with slogans like "Thank you Sri Lanka" in Sinhalese language can be seen in several parts of Lahore.