The Pakistan Cricket Board spoke of their delight ahead of the start of the Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC) week-long tour of the country for the first time in 48 years.

The visit will be even more momentous for MCC president Kumar Sangakkara. He was part of the Sri Lankan side that was attacked in 2009 when 12 gunmen opened fire on the team bus near the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and claims all of those players would love to come back to Pakistan.

“Well, I think all the players who were there in 2009 would love to come back. Few of them have come back at various times in their private capacity. But even together, I think Sri Lanka, the players there, will definitely be amenable to coming back and and being back in Lahore and being back in Pakistan.

“We have great memories, myself individually (and) when we played here as a side there (were) wonderful memories of playing in Pakistan and touring here.”

The MCC will make their bow with a 20-over match against Lahore Qalandars at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday before facing the Pakistan Shaheens in a 50-over fixture on Sunday.

After that, the MCC will meet Northern and Multan Sultans in 20-over matches on February 17 and 19.