Published: Aug 16, 2017, 12:23 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 16, 2017, 12:23 AM (IST)
One cricket tour that Sri Lanka will never be able to forget is that of 2009, to Pakistan. In what could have been the most fatal attacks in cricket history, greats such as Kumar Sangakkara, Chaminda Vaas and Mahela Jayawardene narrowly escaped being victims of the attack at the Gaddafi Stadium on Day Three of the second Test of the tour. Among those cricketers who were injured during the attack was Tharanga Paranavitana. However, as Sri Lanka gave a go-ahead to the first Pakistan tour since the incidence, Paranavitana advised the cricketers to bury the past and focus only on cricket. Keen to take SL to PAK for first time since 2009, says SLC President
“It is a welcome move by our board and I support it,” Paranavitana, who is currently down with dengue, told pakobserver.net. “If our team is going there the players should concentrate on cricket and forget about that fateful incident”. Reminding the incident, he said, “It was more like a dream. While on our way to the ground, we heard a big sound and our bus was by four shooters. I don’t know much about the incident now, but it was like a film. The effects of the trauma was there for few days and it was very dramatic but sad”.
However, when asked if he would again visit Pakistan, he was left in dilemma.
“I am not too sure. I have to think about it and should consult my family first. But yes, if the security is tight and experts clear the tour, the team should visit Pakistan as the fans there are deprived of good cricket. Pakistan is a good side now and if the situation has improved there, it is a good sign to resume playing there. I think our boys have to play proper cricket. This (not playing good cricket) has not happening recently and we have hardly 2-3 senior players. They will have to guide the young players”.
