Great expectations from Pakistan A tour of SL

COLOMBO: Pakistan became the first country to suffer from the aftermath of the ICC 2015 World Cup following retirements of senior players as they suffered a 0-3 ODI series whitewash in Bangladesh. Along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka also had some senior players quitting ODIs after the World Cup. Both sides are going through a period of rebuilding.
For Pakistan — where no Test-playing team have gone after the Sri Lanka team bus was attacked by terrorists in 2009 — the resumption of A tours is a windfall. They are due to play three one-day matches and three four-day unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A.
“In the past it has been the policy of the Pakistan Cricket Board to have A-team tours but suddenly all A tours came to a stop,” Col Naushad Ali, the Pakistan A manager, said.
“It’s a wonderful idea to have an A series before the senior team arrives in Sri Lanka.”
The senior Pakistan side is due to tour Sri Lanka in June for three Tests, five ODIs and two T20Is. Pakistan A, led by Fawad Alam, have seven players with international experience in their squad. “A-team tours is something that we have been missing for the last four-five years,” Mohammad Akram, the Pakistan A coach, said.
Romesh Kaluwitharana, the Sri Lanka A coach, said the tour was very significant as the hosts were beginning a new era.
“This series will be a good opportunity for the players to showcase their talent and try and fill several openings that will become vacant in the senior side,” Kaluwitharana said.