Pakistan vs Sri Lanka trophy unveiled in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: The trophy unveiling of Pakistan's three-match Test series against Sri Lanka was held at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistani skipper Sarfraz Ahmed and Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal unveiled the trophy at the ceremony.

The first Test between the two sub-continental sides will start today at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, while the second Test will be played in Dubai.

Prior to the trophy unveiling, the newly appointed captain of Pakistan Test side Sarfraz Ahmed requested the Sri Lankan team to visit Pakistan for the matches.

"Pakistan is now a very peaceful country and security situation is far better than previous years," said Sarfraz.

Replying to a question asked by Geo News, Sarfraz Ahmed said that all players are perfectly fit and ready to play against Sri Lanka.

When asked about playing without Misbah and Younis Khan, he expressed that it won't be easy to fill the void, but youngsters would perform well.

The skipper also mentioned that the batting order has faced changes following Misbah and Younis Khan's departure.

"Azhar Ali will play at one-down position while vice-Captain Asad Shafique would come at number four down the line," Sarfraz revealed.

After the trophy unveiling, Sri Lankan Captain Dinesh Chandimal expressed that his side has an advantage due to Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan's absence in Pakistan playing XI after their retirement.

Chandimal accepted that the previous series of Sri Lanka was not good as it should be, but he expected that his team will regain its lost form.

Responding to a question about Sri Lanka's tour to Pakistan, he said that team players were not discussing it.

"Sri Lankan cricket board and team management are obviously discussing Pakistan's tour", he clarified.

The Sri Lankan skipper also said that Pakistan's visit completely depended on the security situation in Pakistan.