ISLAMABAD: The PCB Patrons XI will take on the Sri Lankan team in a three-day practice match at the Islamabad Club Ground from Wednesday as both sides prepare for the upcoming Test series.
Both teams held training sessions at the Islamabad Club on Tuesday, a day before the start of the match.
Patrons XI head coach Ijaz Ahmed Junior said the practice fixture would provide a valuable opportunity for players selected for the Test series to prepare under match conditions.
He said all players in the Patrons XI squad had been playing domestic cricket and hoped the match would prove to be a good and competitive contest.
PCB Patrons XI captain Saad Baig said red-ball cricket required patience and players needed to adjust quickly to the demands of the longer format. He said he felt honoured to lead the Patrons XI and was happy with the responsibility.
The 13-member Patrons XI squad includes seven players from Pakistan’s Test squad, giving them a chance to gain valuable match practice before the two-Test series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has also decided to add two more fast bowlers from the Patrons XI to the national Test squad after the practice match ends on November 6.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will begin in Rawalpindi on November 9, while the second Test will be played in Lahore from November 17.
