Resolute Sri Lanka Commits to Pakistan Cricket Tour Amidst Security Considerations

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has instructed its national team to proceed with their white-ball tour in Pakistan, despite safety concerns voiced by several players wishing to return home. This decision follows a suicide bombing that claimed 12 lives outside a court in Islamabad on Tuesday, mere hours before Sri Lanka’s One-Day International match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the country’s Interior Minister, met with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner on Wednesday to reassure them of stringent security measures for the team. This meeting included managers of both the Sri Lankan and Pakistani teams, along with top security officials. Naqvi also inspected the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday afternoon to evaluate the security arrangements.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the SLC emphasized that players’ safety concerns are being addressed in collaboration with the PCB and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the touring party. The SLC also noted that if any players or support staff decide to return home against the directive, a formal review would be conducted to evaluate their actions and appropriate actions will be taken following the review. Replacements would be sent to ensure the tour proceeds without disruption.

Naqvi expressed gratitude towards SLC for their decision to continue the tour. He remarked on the strong sense of sportsmanship and solidarity, noting that the remaining ODIs have been rescheduled for Friday and Sunday in Rawalpindi.

Following this, Zimbabwe will join Sri Lanka and Pakistan for a T20I tri-series starting next week, with Rawalpindi hosting two games and Lahore hosting five games.

Published on November 13, 2025.