Islamabad: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for deciding to continue their ongoing tour of Pakistan despite heightened security concerns among Sri Lankan players following Tuesday’s deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad.
Naqvi’s remarks came shortly after the PCB announced revisions to the schedule of the One-Day International (ODI) series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as the upcoming T20I Tri-Nation Tournament featuring Zimbabwe. According to the board, the adjustments were made “in consultation with SLC and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC)” to accommodate both operational and match-related requirements.
Under the revised itinerary, the remaining two ODIs will now be played on November 14 and 16 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The T20I Tri-Nation Tournament, originally set to take place across multiple venues, will now be staged entirely in Rawalpindi from November 18 to 29.
“Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour,” Naqvi posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The ODI matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played on November 14 and 16 in Rawalpindi. The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright.”
The development follows reports that several Sri Lankan players had requested to return home after a suicide bomber killed 12 people and injured 27 outside a court complex in Islamabad—just hours before the two sides met for the first ODI, which Pakistan won by six runs.
In response, Sri Lanka Cricket issued a directive instructing all players, support staff, and management to remain in Pakistan and complete the series. The board warned that any team member who leaves without approval would face a “formal review,” while immediate replacements would be dispatched to ensure the tour continues without disruption.
“Sri Lanka Cricket was informed by the team management that several members of the national team touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns,” the statement read. “SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all concerns are being addressed in coordination with the PCB and relevant authorities.”
Sources from both boards confirmed that SLC’s decision followed a high-level security meeting in Islamabad attended by Naqvi, Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister, and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner, Admiral (Retd.) Fred Seneviratne. Pakistani authorities subsequently enhanced the security cover for the visiting team, deploying the Pakistan Army and paramilitary Rangers to oversee protection measures.
Concerns among Sri Lankan players reportedly arose due to Rawalpindi’s proximity to Islamabad, where the attack occurred. Naqvi personally met the visiting squad at their hotel to brief them on the strengthened security arrangements.
The issue of security has long been sensitive between the two nations, stemming from the 2009 Lahore attack on the Sri Lankan team bus that left several players injured and halted international cricket in Pakistan for over a decade. Sri Lanka’s 2019 tour marked the symbolic return of major international cricket to Pakistan, and the continuation of the current series underscores both nations’ commitment to sustaining that progress despite renewed challenges.
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