Nation welcomes Sri Lankan team ahead of landmark T20

Cricketers, former greats, politicians and fans came together to welcome the Sri Lankan cricket team to Pakistan, eight years after a deadly ambush on the squad left eight people dead and drove away international cricket from the sports-loving country.

The Green Shirts took to Twitter to welcome Sri Lankan players and thank them for returning to Pakistan.

Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar demanded that the bus driver who saved the lives of Sri Lankan players in the 2009 attack, be made chief guest of tonight's game.

Bowling legend Waqar Younis couldn't hide his excitement for the occasion.

Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif extended a warm welcome to the Sri Lankan team.

Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi thanked the visiting team.

Fans also hailed the return of international cricket to Pakistan.