A deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad on November 11 has rattled the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team. The explosion outside a court left at least 12 people dead and 27 injured, prompting concerns about the safety of international teams in Pakistan. The blast occurred in a high-security area that connects Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where the ongoing ODI series matches are being held.
According to sources, at least eight members of the Sri Lankan contingent have expressed a desire to return home before the second ODI in Rawalpindi, citing safety fears following the incident. This situation has drawn comparisons to the 2009 attack in Lahore on the same national team, which effectively halted international cricket in Pakistan for nearly a decade.
In response to player concerns, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) issued a statement acknowledging the requests from its players. “Sri Lanka Cricket was informed by the team management that several members of the national team currently touring Pakistan have requested to return home due to safety worries. Following this, SLC engaged with the players and assured them that all concerns are being addressed in coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of all members of the touring party,” the statement read.
SLC advised the team to continue with the tour as scheduled, noting the assurances provided by the PCB and local authorities. The board indicated it would send replacements for any players or staff who choose to leave against these directives, with such cases subject to formal review.
PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to remain in Pakistan. “I am thankful to the Sri Lankan team for their commitment to continue the tour. Their spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright,” he stated on social media. Naqvi also met the players at their hotel in Islamabad to personally assure them of their safety.
In light of the situation, the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka ODI series has been rescheduled. The second ODI was originally set for November 13 in Rawalpindi but has now been moved to November 14. The third ODI, initially scheduled for November 15, will now take place on November 16.
In the first ODI held on November 10, Pakistan narrowly won by six runs. Following this series, a T20 tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe is scheduled to take place from November 17 to 29.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/spooked-by-islamabad-blast-lankan-players-want-out-slc-pcb-say-series-on-1303151-2025-11-13?utm_source=rssfeed
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-11-13 09:39:00
