Amid security fears, Sri Lanka reaffirm Pakistan tour after Naqvi’s assurance
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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Wednesday that its tour would go ahead as planned, amid speculation of a pullout following a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad a day earlier that killed 12 and injured 27.
The announcement drew praise from Pakistani officials, who called it a sign of confidence in the country’s stability and cricket’s ability to endure.
The manager of the Sri Lankan cricket team confirmed to Geo News and added that all the Sri Lankan players will stay in Pakistan.
In a statement, the SLC clarified that if a player wishes to return to Sri Lanka despite this assurance, they will be replaced to ensure the continuity of the ongoing series without interference, but the player will have to undergo a formal assessment by the cricket board on their actions.
The statement came after fears were raised after a suicide bombing in Islamabad on Tuesday, which killed 12 people and injured 27 outside a court.
The team management had informed the board earlier in the day that some members of the national squad had requested to leave Pakistan.
The board said it immediately engaged with the players, assuring them that all safety concerns were being addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities.
The board directed all players, support staff and team management to remain in Pakistan and go ahead with the tour as planned.
However, the SLC made it clear that if any player or team member still chooses to return home, the process will be changed immediately to ensure uninterrupted continuation.
The cricket board has also warned that any players or staff members who defy the directive will face a formal review after the end of the tour, with disciplinary action decided accordingly.
Following the concerns expressed by the Sri Lankan cricketer, the PCB said that security has been increased around the team following the attack.
To allay these concerns, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the home minister, is meeting the Sri Lankan team to brief them on the security arrangements, sources revealed.
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening one-day international in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, a game that went ahead despite a suicide attack in the twin city of Islamabad.
Meanwhile, Naqvi announced that the matches – earlier scheduled for November 13 and 15 – would not be held on November 14 and 16.
In a statement, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar thanked the Sri Lankan cricket team and said: “We are honored by your presence.”
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also said: “Our special thanks to the Sri Lankan cricket team for their visit and good display of cricket. Our best wishes and gratitude.”
PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars said that the Sri Lankan team defeated terrorism.
Punjab Assembly member Hina Parvez Butt thanked the SLC for standing firmly with Pakistan, saying that every run scored in the Pakistan-Sri Lanka cricket match is a victory against terrorism. He added that the courage and solidarity of the SLC reminds everyone that peace always prevails.
Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb also thanked the Sri Lankan Cricket Board and team for playing with Pakistan and standing strong, saying that every run in this regard is a blow to terrorism.
PCB chief meets Sri Lankan envoy
The development came hours after the Sri Lankan High Commissioner expressed satisfaction over the security of his national men’s team following a meeting with Naqvi in Islamabad.
The cricket board said in a statement on Wednesday that satisfaction was expressed during the meeting with Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
According to the statement, both team managers, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Islamabad Police Chief were also present on the occasion.
During the meeting, Chief Commissioner and IGP Islamabad gave a detailed briefing about the security provided to the Sri Lankan team.
Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said that the Sri Lankan cricket team players “are our state guests and all necessary measures have been ensured for their foolproof security.”
He emphasized that providing a safe environment to the upcoming athletes is the top priority of the government.
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner, in response, expressed solidarity with the government over the attack and offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements made for the team.
