I feel safe playing in Pakistan: Sanath Jayasuriya

Sri Lanka batsman Sanath Jayasuriya said he feels safe in Pakistan and hoped that a world XI match against Pakistan XI will help in resuming international cricket in the country soon.

Jayasuriya is leading the World XI which will clash against Shahid Afridi-led team in two Twenty20 exhibition matches on Saturday and Sunday.

"I know our team does not include many big names but we have all come here with the hope that our visit will be a small step towards normalcy and return of Test teams to Pakistan," Jayasuriya, who was part of the Sri Lankan team which was attacked by terrorist in 2009 in Lahore, told reporters after arriving here.

Former South African pacers Nantie Hayward, Andre Nel, West Indian Ricardo Powell are also part of the touring side.

After militants attacked the Sri Lankan team and killed six Pakistani policemen and a van driver apart from wounding some of the visiting players, Test playing nations have refused to play in Pakistan.

The closest to international cricket returning to Pakistan came this year in April when Bangladesh agreed to play a one-day international and a T20 match in Lahore after much persuasion by the Pakistan cricket Board.

But even that tour petered out after the Dhaka high court issued a restraining order against the Bangladeshi cricketer touring Pakistan because of security fears.

In between a Afghanistan A squad has also played in Punjab.

"I know decisions vary from country to country but I feel safe in Pakistan and so far the security and hospitality being provided to us is very good," Jaysuriya said.

"I know my coming here is significant because it was the Sri Lankan team that was attacked three years back," he said.

The manager of the touring side, West Indian legend Alvin Kallicharan was more forthright in his remarks to the media.

... contd.

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