Sri Lankan players to continue Pakistan tour despite security concerns; SLC confirms after consultations

Despite mounting security concerns in Pakistan following a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that its national team will continue its ongoing tour. The board announced the decision after extensive discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities.

According to SLC, the 16-member squad, along with the coaching and support staff, has agreed to remain in Pakistan to complete the three-match ODI series and the upcoming T20I tri-series featuring Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

The decision followed high-level consultations between cricket and government officials, who assured that stringent safety protocols are in place for the visitors. Security around the Sri Lankan contingent has been significantly intensified, with additional personnel deployed at hotels, stadiums, and during team movements.

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 This decision follows assurances provided by Sri Lanka Cricket, in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities, to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party. Accordingly, the players, team management, and support staff will remain in Pakistan to participate in the ongoing ODI series and the upcoming T20I tri-series.

The clarification came after several Sri Lankan players reportedly expressed concerns and requested to return home following the Islamabad blast that claimed 12 lives and injured 27. Family members of some players had also raised safety worries.

SLC, however, cautioned that any player or staff member leaving the tour without prior approval would be subject to a formal review upon return. The board emphasized its commitment to completing the series as scheduled.

Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya assured SLC that the coaching group and players were aligned on continuing the tour. “The support staff was very clear that we wanted to stay and complete the tour. But as team management, we took time to understand and address the players’ concerns,” Jayasuriya said.

In a gesture to ease tensions, PCB chairman and interior minister Mohsin Naqvi personally visited the Sri Lankan team’s hotel to provide reassurances. He pledged enhanced protection measures, including exclusive hotel facilities and strengthened security for all movements.

The development carries added sensitivity given Sri Lanka’s past experience — in 2009, the team’s bus was attacked by terrorists in Lahore during a similar tour.