Arjuna assures help in reviving cricket in Pakistan

3 March 2013 02:49 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Four years since the dreaded terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore, team's former captain Arjuna Ranatunga said that he is willing to help Pakistan in reviving international cricket.

"One can understand what the players went through and what they think about playing in Pakistan but I am ready to play any role in any capacity to help in the revival of international cricket in this wonderful place," Ranatunga told a Pakistani channel from Colombo.

On March 3, 2009 the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked by terrorists while they were on their way to the Gaddafi stadium for the third day of the Lahore Test.

Since that day teams have shunned touring Pakistan while the ICC has also not held any of their events.

Ranatunga feels that Pakistan needs to prepare a comprehensive security plan and discuss it with the ICC and its member boards.

"They must work hard on preparing an airtight security plan and move forward. I will do anything in my power in Sri Lanka to get the players to tour Pakistan again," he said while adding Pakistan cricket needs to move on now as four years have passed since the incident happened.

As president of the Asian Cricket Council in 2008, Ranatunga said he had played a big role in holding Asia Cup despite prevalent security concerns at that time.

"I think the sort of security Pakistan provided to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other teams in that tournament was the best. And if that sort of security is guaranteed for teams playing in Pakistan I am sure international cricket can be revived in Pakistan," he said.

Ranatunga said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always had close relations.

"They have always helped and supported us. I remember in the 1996 World Cup when the Tamil issue was going on, West Indies and Australia refused to play in Sri Lanka but Pakistan and India sent a team to make a point it was safe to play in Sri Lanka," he recalled.

"It is unfortunate and terrible for Pakistan cricket but I am sure even today given the relations both countries have, a tour by Sri Lanka could be possible," he said. (PTI)

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Comments - 12

lankan fan Sunday, 03 March 2013 12:00 AM

Please Arjuna you are worried about Pakistan's Cricket and We are worried about Sri Lanka's Cricket !! via DM Android App

Rata Haraka Monday, 04 March 2013 10:10 AM

Well done, Arjuna. Great move.

mori Sunday, 03 March 2013 12:00 AM

arjuna,u should b the chief selector instead of sanath,its unfortunate.nw paks getting ur advice.when our fools going to wake up and asking u to revive our cricket,i think u will be the only world cup winning caption for Srilanka in our lifetime. via DM Android App

peeda mossa Sunday, 03 March 2013 03:22 PM

Indeed, sir, Pakistan has been a long standing friend of Sri Lanka even politically and we should give them a helping hand in whatever possible way. Lead the way, Arjuna.

Kim barney Sunday, 03 March 2013 03:35 PM

Well done Arajuna
You showed the world how thankful srilankans are
For those who helped us while we were in crises in 1996 world cup

Kim barney Sunday, 03 March 2013 03:43 PM

Well done
I know you can do wonders in cricket but not in politics therefor please give up the politices and involved with cricket

MMJ Sunday, 03 March 2013 12:00 AM

Thank you for what you're doing for our motherland Sir. We need more of your type here. Gentlemen with a head and power of reasoning.
For eg, The composition of our parliament will be very different if may of our voters were your type. via DM Android App

wats_the_truth Monday, 04 March 2013 12:00 AM

wow.tats a great move by arajuna ranathunga...hats off to u the great legend via DM Android App

MZS Monday, 04 March 2013 03:34 AM

The right thing to do !

MLS Sunday, 03 March 2013 05:12 PM

Yes, we should be greatful to a country that has helped us alot in many ways

anura gunawardane Sunday, 03 March 2013 05:19 PM

Yeah we should help them but first of all that country should have some peace and law and order to play cricket. While ago also there is bomb blast killed more than 25 people

Mushi Monday, 04 March 2013 12:00 AM

Excellent Mr. Arjuna. via DM Android App

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Arjuna assures help in reviving cricket in Pakistan

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