Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) instructed all its players, staff and team management to continue with the upcoming Pakistan-hosted tri-nation series after sources earlier said that at least eight players would be returning home due to security concerns.
Twelve people were killed and 36 were injured in a suicide blast on Tuesday outside the district and sessions court building in Islamabad’s G-11 area. The incident occurred as international events were being hosted in the capital, including the first one-day international (ODI) match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
Following the bombing, some Sri Lankan players reportedly expressed fears for their safety.
“The second ODI against Pakistan tomorrow is in doubt, but substitute players will be sent to continue the tri-nation series,” a Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) source told AFP. The source added that at least eight Sri Lankan cricketers would return home without playing in the tri-nation white-ball cricket series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
However, a statement issued later by SLC said it had “instructed all players, support staff and team management to continue with the tour as scheduled”.
“SLC was informed by the team management this morning that several members of the national team currently touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns.
“Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party.”
The SLC added that if any player or member of the touring party decides to return to Sri Lanka despite the directive issued to continue with the tour, the board would immediately send replacements to ensure that the tour continued without interruption.
“If any player, players or member of the support staff return despite SLC’s directives, a formal review will be conducted to assess their actions, and an appropriate decision will be made upon the conclusion of the review,” the board said.
Speaking to Dawn, Sri Lankan Team Manager Mahinda Halangode confirmed that no player would be returning to Sri Lanka. “None are returning,” he said.
PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said he was grateful to the Sri Lankan team for the decision to continue the Pakistan tour.
“The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright.”
He said the ODI matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played on Friday and Sunday in Rawalpindi.
The PCB, in a statement, said it appreciated the understanding and cooperation of cricket fans and looked forward to their continued support as it hosted the Sri Lanka team for “what promises to be an exciting ODI series”.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan team for “their visit and for a good display of cricket” in a post on X.
Similarly, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar expressed heartfelt gratitude to the team for visiting Pakistan, writing in his own post on X: “My heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lankan Cricket Team for their visit to Pakistan and for always supporting the game of cricket. Keep up the sportsman spirit. We are honoured by your presence.”
“Good decision by Sri Lankan Cricket Team players to continue the tour. We are grateful and we look forward to exciting matches ahead,” said Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
The PCB said that security around the visiting team had been increased following the attack, and Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral (retired) Fred Seneviratne expressed satisfaction with security arrangements for the team during a meeting today with Naqvi.
Pertinent to note is that the Sri Lanka team was the victim of a terrorist attack during a Test match in Lahore in March 2009. The attack left eight people dead, besides injuring seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach.
