Cricket’s international colors will be returning to the deserted arenas of Pakistan as Sri Lanka touch down to face-off the hosts in a tour comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is. Pakistan will be holding a 50-over bilateral series for the first time since Zimbabwe visited the country in May 2015 and all three games will be hosted by Karachi. It has been more than a decade since the city last hosted an ODI match. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, on the other hand, will be innkeeping the T20I leg of the tour.

Till last week, the tour had been under severe doubt after a warning of a terror attack on the Sri Lankan team was received by the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's Office. Fresh security consultations were carried out instantaneously and yet another green signal was given to go ahead with the tour as originally planned.

With the Islanders having settled down on the Karachi shores and with an evening away from the enthralling live-action and the potential electric atmosphere, we take a look at the squads that the two Boards have announced for the series.

Iftikhar Ahmed, wicketkeeping-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, and bowling allrounder Mohammad Nawaz have regained their spots in the ODI squad. Iftikhar last appeared in Pakistan’s ODI colors back in 2015. He recently had an impressive run in the 50-over Pakistan Cup, scoring two consecutive tons for Punjab.

Nawaz also contributed crucial knocks lower down the order during this tournament and was also amongst the wickets. His inclusion strengthens the already spin- lidded bowling attack with the likes of Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan under consideration.

Rizwan, conversely, was left out of the mega-event’s squad despite his two gritty centuries against Australia in the Emirates.

In a small blow to Pakistan, two of their premier pacers are set to miss out. Shaheen Afridi was earlier diagnosed with a viral infection and Hasan Ali has been recovering from back spasms and, consequently, ousted from the squad. Mohammad Hafeez, Pakistan’s veteran all-rounder has been sidelined and is instead featuring in the CPL for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Pakistan ODI squad:
 
Sarfaraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Babar Azam, Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari, Wahab Riaz
 
While talking to media in an informal presser, Sarfraz Ahmed revealed that he is looking forward to that momentous occasion when he walks out to lead Pakistan on their home turf:

"Leading the Pakistan cricket team in a bilateral ODI series in front of my home crowd will be one of the highlights of my career," said Sarfaraz. "I can't wait for Friday, which will mark the memorable occasion, and I hope when I walk out, I have a full-house behind me, not only cheering me but both the sides. Fans are the lifeline for any sport as they are the driving force for any team or player.”

As for Sri Lanka, they will not be accompanied by several of their gun players after they cited security concerns and decided not to travel to Pakistan. Amongst them, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, Suranga Lakmal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Thisara Perera, Akila Dhananjaya, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera and Niroshan Dickwella were the ten who opted to stay back for the upcoming tour.

In light of this, SLC had to rename the captains to lead its national teams with vigor and passion. Lahiru Thirimanne has been assigned the task of leading the ODI team whereas Dasun Shanaka will be shouldering the burden of the T20I team’s captaincy. Reportedly, the players were given a free hand to decide whether they wished to go ahead with the tour or reject it on an individual basis.

Kusal Mendis remains unavailable for selection due to the leg injury he sustained during the recently concluded T20I series against the Kiwis. The 24-year old wicket-keeper, Minod Banuka, is the only uncapped player in the squad.

The mystery left-arm wristspinner, Lakshan Sandakan and the left-handed opener, Danushka Gunathilaka, have been named in the squad, too. Nuwan Pradeep will essentially be spearheading the bowling battery with the experience of Isuru Udana and the young-blood of Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha to lend him a hand.

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad: 

Lahiru Thirimanne (capt), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, Angelo Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara