Islamabad:
The Sri Lankan cricket team has decided to continue its ongoing tour of Pakistan after initially requesting to return home following a deadly suicide blast in Islamabad that killed at least 12 people. The request, raised late Tuesday night, prompted urgent talks between the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and government security officials.
Players Alarmed After Islamabad Blast
Several members of the Sri Lankan squad expressed deep concern after the explosion occurred near the capital, just hours before their next scheduled One Day International in Rawalpindi. Sources revealed that some senior players wanted to abandon the tour altogether, citing fears that the team’s safety could no longer be guaranteed.
Board Steps In, Urges Players To Stay
SLC officials quickly intervened, assuring players that their security arrangements remained intact. According to reports, the board warned that leaving midway through the tour would have disciplinary implications, while emphasizing that both boards and local authorities were taking “every possible precaution” to ensure their protection.
Pakistan Assures ‘Fool-Proof’ Security
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Sri Lankan team representatives and reaffirmed that the visitors are being treated as “state guests” with the highest level of protection. Pakistan’s interior ministry has since intensified security around team hotels, stadiums, and travel routes.
The PCB confirmed that the remaining ODIs in Rawalpindi have been rescheduled to Friday and Sunday, allowing additional time for security adjustments.
Historical Context
The developments have reignited memories of the 2009 Lahore attack on the Sri Lankan team, an incident that kept international cricket away from Pakistan for nearly a decade. Since then, the country has gradually rebuilt its reputation as a safe host nation, but the latest episode underscores lingering concerns about player safety in the region.
Both cricket boards remain confident that the tour will continue without further disruptions, with SLC stating that “player welfare remains the top priority.”
Discussion about this post