ISLAMABAD, 13 November (H.S.): Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to continue with its white-ball tour of Pakistan, despite security concerns from its players after a recent suicide attack in Islamabad prompted several to express a desire to return home.
On Tuesday, a suicide blast outside a court in Islamabad killed 12 people. The incident occurred just hours before a scheduled One-Day International (ODI) match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
On Wednesday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and the nation's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, met with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Islamabad, assuring foolproof security for the team.
Team managers from both Sri Lanka and Pakistan, along with top security officials, also attended the meeting. Mr. Naqvi had previously visited the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday afternoon to review security arrangements.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Sri Lanka Cricket board confirmed that player security concerns are being thoroughly addressed in collaboration with the PCB and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member on tour.
The board also issued a stern warning, clarifying that if any player or support staff member returns home against the board's directive, their conduct will be formally reviewed, and appropriate action will be taken after the review is completed.
SLC added that replacements would be sent immediately for any departing member to prevent disruption to the tour.PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi praised SLC's decision, posting on X (formerly Twitter), The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity is shining brightly.
He announced that the remaining two ODIs will now be played in Rawalpindi on Friday and Sunday.Following the series, Zimbabwe will join Sri Lanka and Pakistan for a T20 tri-series starting next week. Two matches of the tournament will be held in Rawalpindi, with the remaining five scheduled to take place in Lahore.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
