Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that the team would continue its tour of Pakistan and in the event of a player withdrawal, an immediate replacement would be made available.
In a statement, the SLC clarified that if a player wishes to return to Sri Lanka despite the assurance, he will be replaced in a bid to ensure the continuation of the ongoing series without interruption, but the player will have to undergo a formal review by the cricket board over his actions.
The statement comes after fears were raised following Tuesday’s suicide bombing in Islamabad, which killed 12 people and injured 27 outside the court.
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board said in the statement that the team management had informed the board earlier in the day that some members of the national team had requested to leave Pakistan.
The board said it had immediately contacted the players and assured them that all safety concerns were being addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities.
The board instructed all players, support staff and team management to remain in Pakistan and continue the tour as planned.
However, SLC clarified that if any player or team member did choose to return home, replacements would be sent immediately to ensure the series continued without interruption.
The cricket board also warned that any player or staff member found violating the directive will undergo a formal review after the tour ends and disciplinary action will be taken accordingly.
Following the Sri Lankan cricketer’s concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said security had been increased around the visiting team following the attack.
To allay concerns, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Home Minister, is meeting the Sri Lankan team to brief them on the security arrangements in place, sources said.
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening international in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, a match that went ahead despite the suicide bombing in its twin city Islamabad.
The remaining matches are scheduled for Thursday and Saturday, also in Rawalpindi.
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 for a good display of cricket. Our best wishes and gratitude.”
PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars said the Sri Lankan team has defeated terrorism.
PCB chief meets Sri Lankan envoy
The development came hours after the Sri Lankan High Commissioner expressed satisfaction over the safety of his men’s national team after a meeting with Naqvi in Islamabad.
The satisfaction was reflected during his meeting with Home Minister and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the cricket board said in a statement on Wednesday.
Both team managers, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, Islamabad Police Chief and Islamabad Police Chief were also present on the occasion, according to the statement.
During the meeting, the Chief Commissioner and the IGP Islamabad gave a detailed briefing on the security provided to the Sri Lankan team.
Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said the players of the Sri Lankan cricket team “are our state guests and all necessary measures have been taken for their unfailing safety.”
He emphasized that providing a safe environment to the visiting players is the government’s top priority.
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner, in response, expressed solidarity with the government over the attack and extended his sincere condolences to the bereaved families. He also expressed his satisfaction over the safety arrangements made for the team.
