Khan optimistic about SL tour, despite great expectations

After having beaten Sri Lanka in the finals of World Twenty20 2009, Pakistan captain Younus Khan says that the pressure on his team to win matches has increased but that they are prepared for the tour, against the same opponents, which begins on July 4.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets last Sunday to win its first World Cup title since defeating England in the final of the 50-over format in 1992.

Both President Asif Ali Zardari, who is also patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board, and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani hosted receptions and awarded cash prizes to members of the team.

Captain Younus Khan accepts that his players are now facing increased expectations.

"Our countrymen want us to win every match - especially after success in the Twenty20 World Cup," Khan said on Friday. "It can put pressure on us but we are ready for it.”

"It's true that we have achieved a big victory, but a tour of Sri Lanka will be a big challenge for us."

Pakistan has been bolstered by the return of middle-order batsman Mohammad Yousuf and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq. Both players have been welcomed back into international cricket after resigning from the unauthorized Indian Cricket League.

Razzaq replaced the injured Yasir Arafat at the World Twenty20, taking three wickets in the final to play a pivotal role in the victory.

"Both are experienced players and they will strengthen our side," Khan said.

Pakistan has also recalled Danish Kaneria to its Test team. The lanky leg-spinner will be supported by off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who also played a key role at the World Twenty20 after his bowling action was cleared last month.

The 15-member Test squad also includes 17-year-old left-arm paceman Mohammad Aamir, who bowled impressively in England.

Sri Lanka will be led by Kumar Sangakkara, who took over after Mahela Jayawardena's farewell Test in March against Pakistan in Lahore.

"Sangakkara is a wise captain and Sri Lanka is a balanced side with some quality players, so we have to be at our best to get positive results," Khan said.

Pakistan leaves for Sri Lanka on Saturday to play three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 International. The first Test starts July 4 at Galle.

**Pakistan Test squad:**Younus Khan (captain), Salman Butt, Khurram Manzoor, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Aamir, Danish Kaneria, Abdul Razzaq, Abdul Rauf, Fawad Alam, Faisal Iqbal.