SLC says security concerns addressed, instructs players to continue Pakistan tour

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has assured that all security concerns of the national team touring Pakistan are being fully addressed and has instructed players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tri-nation white-ball series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

The directive comes after several players reportedly requested to return home following Tuesday’s suicide bombing in Islamabad, which killed 12 and injured 27 outside a court.

SLC said it is working closely with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party.

In a media release on 12 November 2025, SLC emphasised that while all team members are expected to continue with the tour, replacements will be immediately sent if anyone decides to leave despite the directive.

The release added that a formal review would be conducted for any personnel who return home against instructions.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the tour.

He also announced that the remaining two ODIs will now be played on November 14 and 16, instead of the originally scheduled November 13 and 15.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also thanked Sri Lankan cricketers for always supporting the game.

“My heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lankan Cricket Team for their visit to Pakistan and for always supporting the game of cricket. Keep up the sportsman spirit. We are honoured by your presence,” Tarar wrote on X.

“Our special thanks to the Sri Lankan Cricket Team for their visit and for a good display of cricket. Our best wishes and gratitude,” wrote Asif.

The current concerns echo a previous incident in March 2009, when six Sri Lankan players were wounded after gunmen opened fire on their team bus en route to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a Test match. That attack led to international teams avoiding Pakistan for nearly a decade.

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening ODI in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, a match that went ahead despite the Islamabad attack. The Pakistan Cricket Board said security measures for the visiting team have been strengthened following the blast.

Earlier, AFP had reported that at least eight Sri Lankan cricketers had informed the team management about their decision to leave Pakistan for security reasons.