Pakistan Shaheens Host Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Multi-Format Series; First ODI Venue Changed

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a massive schedule change as Pakistan Shaheens gear up to face Sri Lanka ‘A’ in a proper multi-nation series. The first 50-over match for the women was to be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium but has now been moved to Islamabad Club on the 25th of November. The series starts with two four-day matches at Rawalpindi, where Mohammad Huraira will lead the Shaheens and Pasindu Sooriyabandara of Sri Lanka as the team will play their first tour of Pakistan.

Pakistan Shaheen’s squad has been selected containing both international players and young potential talent. It is also spearheaded by five international players including Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, and Rohail Nazir. The 14-member squad will also feature four players who have played against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Islamabad in a recent series; meaning the team is prepared to face top-tier competition.

On top of that the Shaheens are the third red-ball series in 2024 featuring Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin and then in Islamabad. Captain Mohammad Huraira also showed the confidence of his side stating how much the Shaheens mean to them as a way to the national team.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ comes with a two-captain plan in both the four-day and the 50-over formats with Pasindu Sooriyabandara taking charge of the four-day series and Nuwanidu Fernando in the 50-over series. The visitors appear well prepared and the warmth they have been accorded in Pakistan while bringing a balanced side with both batting and bowling strength.

The team management has come out clearly to say that they only want to win the series in the best way that they can: that way is by playing each game and maintaining the best form in both formats. The very fact that this is the Sri Lankan side’s first visit to Pakistan lends the series a historical dimension in the relationship between the two countries in terms of cricket.