Sri Lanka and Pakistan Bring the Dhamaal Meme to Life

The Sri Lankan cricket team is back to its own country after having a rollercoaster ride in Pakistan. The team visited Pakistan for the T20I tri-series, but reportedly 16 of their players have now withdrawn from the tournament. Also, it seems that the team has just recreated the Dhamaal meme.

Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe were all set to go against each other for a T20I tri-series. As the Sri Lankan players arrived in Pakistan, they expressed how good the security level is being offered within the country. But things took a sudden turn for them within the next few days.

The tri-series between Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe was all set to commence from 17 November. For that, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe visited Pakistan and started off with their practices for the series. Kusal Mendis, who earlier played in the ODI series, talked about the amenities being offered to the players in Pakistan.

He talked about the experience of playing against Pakistan in Pakistan. For this, Mendis also said that hotel wise Pakistan has provided them well and they have also done well in terms of security. Mendis emphasised on the fact that he has played in Pakistan for several years, in the Pakistan Super League.

This incident took place at the District Judicial Complex, which resulted in deaths of 12 individuals and also left at least 30 people injured. For this, the Pakistan Government made some bold statements, and this all comes at a time when Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka are in Pakistan, preparing for the tri-series.

2. Sri Lanka Withdrawals

At this time, the Sri Lankan Cricket Board decided to intervene. They had a talk with the Pakistan Cricket Board to ensure that their players remain safe. For this, the board has also issued a statement which :

“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was informed by the team management this morning that several members of the national team currently touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns. Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party. In this context, SLC has instructed all players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tour as scheduled.”

The statement , “However, should any player or member of the touring party decide to return to Sri Lanka despite the directive issued by SLC to continue with the tour, Sri Lanka Cricket will immediately send replacements to ensure that the tour continues without interruption. If any player, players, or member of the support staff return despite SLC's directives, a formal review will be conducted to assess their actions, and an appropriate decision will be made upon the conclusion of the review.”

3. Sri Lankan Players in Pakistan 2009 Scandal

And now it was time for the second match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The first two days of the Test went peacefully. But on the third day, when the team was heading to the stadium, they were attacked by 12 armed terrorists near the Liberty Roundabout, just outside the stadium. The attackers even threw grenades at the team convoy.

This resulted in injuries to several players which included Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera, Ajantha Mendis, Tharanga Paranavitana, and Chaminda Vaas. Even six police personnel and two civilians were reportedly killed in this attack. The Sri Lankan team's bus driver, Mehar Mohammad Khalil showed bravery as he drove the entire team to the stadium safely.