Due to security concerns following a fatal suicide bombing in Islamabad, Sri Lankan players on a three-match ODI series in Pakistan wish to return home. However, PCB head Mohsin Naqvi stated that the rubber will continue, albeit with a rearranged schedule.
The second ODI between the two teams in the three-match series was supposed to take place in Rawalpindi on Thursday, but it has been rescheduled for Friday. The third match has been rescheduled for November 15–16 at the same venue.
At least eight of the 16 players Sri Lanka sent for the series reportedly want to return to Colombo.
In a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket acknowledged the request but added that they and the team’s support personnel had been told to proceed with the tour as scheduled.
“Sri Lanka Cricket (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 the SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close consultation 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 statement said.
At the same venue on Tuesday, Pakistan had won the opening ODI by six runs. Following the three ODIs, a triangular series between the hosts and Zimbabwe is planned for the Sri Lankan team.
“Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour. The ODI matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played on 14th and 16th November in Rawalpindi,” Naqvi posted on X.
Players who insist on going home will be replaced, according to SLC.
“…should any player or member of the touring party decide to return to Sri Lanka despite the directive issued by SLC to continue with the tour, Sri Lanka Cricket will immediately send replacements to ensure that the tour continues without interruption,” the island nation’s board insisted.
“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,” it added, raising the possibility that players would be disciplined.
The touring players’ concerns were also corroborated by Pakistan Cricket Board sources.
“It is not a good situation for Pakistan cricket because the players were given the option of wanting to stay and complete the tour or return home by the Sri Lankan board after the Sri Lankan High Commissioner met the Chairman of the PCB and Federal Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi and other government officials for a security briefing,” a source close to the developments said.
The players are worried about Rawalpindi’s close proximity to Islamabad, according to SLC sources.
At least 12 people were killed by a suicide bomber outside a court building in the capital of Pakistan, shocking Rawalpindi, the twin city where the two teams played their first ODI.
Due to terror threats, the New Zealand squad also unexpectedly returned home from Rawalpindi four years ago without playing a white-ball series.
Following the terror attacks in Islamabad and Wana, security has been increased for the Lankans, and the High Commissioner of the island nation has assured them that the traveling players are being treated as “state guests.”
Admiral (retired) Fred Seneviratne Naqvi, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, met with other Pakistani government officials in Islamabad to discuss the security situation.
According to sources, Naqvi also met with Sri Lankan team officials and gave them assurances on impenetrable security.
“Security has been beefed up with Pakistan Army and the paramilitary rangers now deputed to monitor the visiting players and officials,” the source said.
When the Sri Lankan cricket team bus was traveling to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the second Test in 2009, it was attacked by militants.
Ajantha Mendis, Chaminda Vaas, and captain Mahela Jayawardene were among the team members injured, and Pakistani security guards were killed.
Pakistan was forced to host its home games in offshore locations in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai after the horrific attack, which prevented any foreign teams from traveling there for more than ten years.
Coincidentally, the return of international cricket to Pakistan was marked by Sri Lanka’s December 2019 tour.
