By Asif Naveed
ISLAMABAD; Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has directed its players, staff, and management to continue participating in the ongoing tri-nation series in Pakistan, despite earlier reports suggesting that several team members planned to return home due to security concerns.
The reports emerged after a deadly suicide blast outside Islamabad’s district court on Tuesday, which killed 12 people and injured 36, coinciding with the first ODI match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
Initially, SLC sources told AFP that at least eight Sri Lankan players wanted to withdraw from the series.
However, the SLC later issued an official statement confirming that the board had engaged with the players and assured them of full security, coordinated closely with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities.
The board warned that any player choosing to return home against the directive would face a formal review. Sri Lankan Team Manager Mahinda Halangode later confirmed that “none are returning.”
PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan team for continuing the tour, calling it a reflection of sportsmanship and solidarity.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal also thanked the team for standing by Pakistan.
Security around the visiting team has been further tightened, with Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral (retired) Fred Seneviratne expressing satisfaction over the arrangements.
The ODI matches are scheduled for Friday and Sunday in Rawalpindi.
