Kumar Sangakkara to lead MCC team in Pakistan

Former Sri Lankan batter and skipper Kumar Sangakkara will lead the MCC squad on a tour to Pakistan next year as a part of their plan of supporting cricket in the country. This will come as a huge boost to the Pakistan nation, who are hosting a Test series against Sri Lanka after a long gap of ten years.

“It is hugely important to support cricket in countries such as Pakistan, and the PCB has done a tremendous job in rebuilding the international cricketing landscape since the tragic events of 2009,” MCC President Sangakkara said.

“I am excited to be captaining MCC on the tour to Pakistan. With international cricket having returned for the first time in a decade, it is wonderful the Club is doing its part to strengthen cricket in Pakistan and I look forward to being part of the trip.”

The tour that will take place in February comes after the security arrangements were investigated.

“The people of Pakistan have been starved of seeing their team play at home for a decade and it is wonderful to see that Test cricket has recently returned to the country,” MCC Chief Executive and Secretary Guy Lavender said.

“As a Club, one of MCC’s priorities is to maintain its global relevance on the game by supporting countries in their provision for cricket, and we are united with the global game in wanting to see international teams returning to play in Pakistan.

“Of course the predominant focus has been assessing the relative safety and security considerations, and we are working closely with the PCB to manage a robust security plan to ensure the tour can take place.”

Lavendar will be the manager of the MCC team that will be coached by Ajmal Shahzad. The matches will be played at Aitcheson College in Lahore.