Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan has come under unexpected tension after several players reportedly expressed a desire to fly back home following a suicide blast in Islamabad. Sri Lanka lost the first ODI of the three-match series by 6 runs, but the concern within the squad escalated sharply after Tuesday’s explosion in the capital’s high-security zone.
Players express fear after Islamabad attack
The blast sent shockwaves through the Sri Lankan camp, with multiple players and members of the support staff asking the board for immediate permission to return home. Sri Lanka have played only the first ODI so far, with the remaining two originally scheduled for November 13 and 15 in Rawalpindi.
Late-night discussions involving SLC officials, team management, Pakistan’s security authorities, and the players failed to reach a middle ground. To buy more time and offer additional reassurance, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) postponed the two remaining ODIs by a day — now to be played on November 14 and 16.
SLC rejects request, warns players of disciplinary action
Despite the growing unease, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) refused to allow the players to fly back and issued a formal warning.
The board stated:
“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.”
SLC insisted it has taken all necessary steps to ensure the touring party’s safety, working “in close coordination with the PCB and relevant authorities.” However, sources suggest players continued pushing for reconsideration throughout the day.
Mohsin Naqvi steps in to reassure Sri Lankan camp
PCB Chairman and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directly met the Sri Lankan players and their High Commissioner, Fred Siriweera, to personally assure them of the enhanced security arrangements. Following the meeting, the PCB said a detailed briefing had been provided and that the Sri Lankan High Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the measures in place.
The PCB also confirmed that the upcoming T20I Tri-Nation Series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will now be held entirely in Rawalpindi from November 18 to 29.
A reminder of 2009
This is not the first time a Sri Lankan tour of Pakistan has been overshadowed by security concerns. In 2009, the team’s bus was attacked in Lahore, bringing international cricket in Pakistan to a standstill for nearly a decade. Players including Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paravitarana suffered minor injuries in the assault, which killed six security personnel and two civilians.
Ironically, Sri Lanka later became one of the first nations to resume full tours of Pakistan when international cricket gradually returned.
