Sri Lanka’s ongoing cricket tour of Pakistan has faced major uncertainty after a suicide bombing in Islamabad, where the team is currently staying. Several players and staff expressed safety fears and wanted to return home, but Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has ordered them to continue. The Sri Lanka 3-ODI Pakistan Tour Rescheduled decision was made following late-night discussions involving both boards and local security officials.
Security Scare Forces Sri Lanka 3-ODI Pakistan Tour Rescheduled Decision
The tense situation began on Tuesday after a suicide bombing occurred near Islamabad. Following the attack, some Sri Lankan players and support staff requested to go back home, citing serious safety concerns. To address the situation, SLC, PCB, and security officials held long meetings on Wednesday night.
Due to these discussions and logistical delays, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the Sri Lanka 3-ODI Pakistan Tour Rescheduled plan would see the remaining matches shifted by one day. The ODIs, earlier set for November 13 and 15, will now be played on November 14 and 16.
So far, Sri Lanka has completed only one match out of the three. After the ODI leg, the team is also expected to participate in a T20I tri-series in Pakistan alongside Zimbabwe. However, the Sri Lanka 3-ODI Pakistan Tour Rescheduled update has created confusion about how the schedule might affect the tri-series that follows.
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SLC Warns Players After Sri Lanka 3-ODI Pakistan Tour Rescheduled Update
Sri Lanka Cricket released a firm statement instructing players and coaches to stay with the team and continue playing. The board reassured them that it had coordinated with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and government agencies to ensure complete security.
SLC warned that anyone who leaves despite the official order will face disciplinary action.
“If any player or staff member returns despite SLC’s directives, a formal review will be conducted to assess their actions, and an appropriate decision will be made after the review,” the statement said.
Even after the Sri Lanka 3-ODI Pakistan Tour Rescheduled announcement, several players were reportedly uneasy. SLC responded by holding multiple meetings to ease player concerns and confirm that security arrangements were being constantly reviewed.
“SLC has assured all players that concerns are being addressed closely with the PCB and relevant authorities to guarantee everyone’s safety,” the board added.
PCB Reassures Sri Lanka After 3-ODI Pakistan Tour Rescheduled
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, met the Sri Lankan players personally after the Sri Lanka 3-ODI Pakistan Tour Rescheduled decision. His aim was to reassure them about the high-level security in place for their stay and travel.
Naqvi also met with Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Fred Siriweera, earlier in the day. The PCB later stated that Siriweera had expressed full satisfaction with the security arrangements after receiving a detailed briefing. The Sri Lanka 3-ODI Pakistan Tour Rescheduled measures, according to officials, were made only after ensuring safety standards were maintained.
Pakistan has provided presidential-level security to touring teams in recent years. However, the memories of the 2009 Lahore attack on the Sri Lankan team bus still haunt players and fans alike. That tragic incident had halted international cricket in Pakistan for nearly a decade.
Still, Sri Lanka was one of the first teams to return once Pakistan reopened to international tours. The Sri Lanka 3-ODI Pakistan Tour Rescheduled announcement, though unfortunate, reflects both boards’ determination to continue cricket despite challenges.
For now, SLC’s stance remains unchanged — the tour will continue as planned. The Sri Lanka 3-ODI Pakistan Tour Rescheduled matches are now set for November 14 and 16, under tight security supervision. Both SLC and PCB will keep monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety of all players and staff involved.
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source: ESPN Crickinfo
