Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has issued a firm warning to its players and support staff currently touring Pakistan, following a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad on Tuesday. The board emphasised that any player attempting to return home without explicit permission will face a formal disciplinary review, a measure highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The explosion occurred in the very city where the Sri Lankan squad is currently staying, immediately raising concerns over player safety. Reports indicate that several players and members of the support staff expressed their desire to leave Pakistan and return home, fearing further attacks. Emergency meetings were reportedly convened late into the night involving players, team management, the SLC, and Pakistani security officials.
In light of the incident, the remaining two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) have been postponed by a day. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the revised schedule, with the second and third ODIs now slated for 14 and 16 November, instead of 13 and 15 November.
| ODI | Original Date | Revised Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd ODI | 13 November | 14 November |
| 3rd ODI | 15 November | 16 November |
The SLC assured the public that all necessary security arrangements have been implemented to protect the players. The board issued a clear statement: “If any player or staff member disregards the board’s directive and returns home, their conduct will undergo a formal review, and appropriate action will follow.”
Despite concerns among players, the SLC has maintained a firm stance on the continuation of the tour. Pakistan won the opening ODI by a narrow margin of six runs, and the Sri Lankan squad is expected to continue the tour, which also includes a tri-nation T20 series featuring Zimbabwe.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is scheduled to meet the Sri Lankan players personally to reassure them and encourage them to continue the tour. Prior to this, Naqvi met Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Fred Siriwardena, who reportedly expressed satisfaction with the security measures currently in place.
International cricket in Pakistan had been suspended for years following the 2009 Lahore terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team. When cricket resumed in the country, Sri Lanka was the first international side to tour Pakistan again, marking a historic milestone in the revival of cricket in the nation.
The current security concerns serve as a sobering reminder of the risks that touring teams face in regions with volatile security situations. Both boards are now working closely to balance the continuation of the sport with the safety of the players.