Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for continuing their ongoing tour of Pakistan despite safety concerns among players following Tuesday’s deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad.
The blast, which killed 12 people and injured 27 near a court complex, occurred just hours before the first ODI in Rawalpindi, won by Pakistan by six runs. Several Sri Lankan players had reportedly wanted to return home citing security fears.
Revised Schedule
Following consultations with SLC and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), the PCB revised the ODI and T20I schedules:
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ODIs: November 14 & 16, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
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T20I Tri-Nation Tournament: November 18–29, entirely in Rawalpindi
Naqvi posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour. The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright.”
SLC Directive & Security Measures
Sri Lanka Cricket issued a firm directive for all players, support staff, and management to remain and complete the tour. The board warned that anyone leaving prematurely would face a formal review, and replacements would be sent immediately to ensure the series continues uninterrupted.
High-level meetings in Islamabad—including Naqvi, Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister, and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner, Admiral (Retired) Fred Seneviratne—led to enhanced security for the visiting team. The Pakistan Army and paramilitary Rangers now oversee protection arrangements.
The decision comes amid lingering apprehensions from Rawalpindi’s proximity to Islamabad, the site of the attack. Naqvi personally met the Sri Lankan squad at their Islamabad hotel to brief them on the enhanced safety protocols.
Security has historically been a sensitive issue between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The 2009 Lahore attack on the Sri Lankan team bus had halted international cricket in Pakistan for over a decade. The 2019 Sri Lanka tour marked the return of major international cricket to Pakistan after years of isolation.
