Sri Lanka cricketers ask to leave Pakistan after bombing, board says no
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Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga (centre) and teammates celebrate after the dismissal of Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan during the first one day international cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in Rawalpindi, on Nov 11.
PHOTO: EPA
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COLOMBO – Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Nov 12 told its players to remain in Pakistan or risk facing a “formal review” after members of the squad declared their intention to depart early from their tour of the country due to security concerns.
The players expressed fears for their safety following the Nov 11 suicide bombing in the Pakistani capital, which killed 12 and wounded 27 outside a court.
SLC issued a statement saying it had instructed the team to go ahead with their ongoing tour of Pakistan as scheduled, despite an unspecified number of players requesting to return home.
“If any player, players, or member of the support staff return despite SLC’s directives, a formal review will be conducted... and an appropriate decision will be made,” the board said.
It added that replacements would be sent to ensure the tour continues without interruption. SLC did not respond to a question on the number of players and staff who requested to return home.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the second one day international (ODI), originally scheduled for Nov 13, has been postponed by one day to Nov 14. Consequently, the third match will now be played on Nov 16 instead of Nov 15. Both fixtures will take place in Rawalpindi.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad are twin cities around 20km apart. “Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour,” said PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on social media. “The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright.”
Six Sri Lankan players were wounded in March 2009 after gunmen opened fire on their team bus in Lahore for a Test match. The attack led to international teams staying away from Pakistan for nearly a decade.
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening ODI in Rawalpindi on Nov 11, a game that went ahead despite the suicide attack in Islamabad.
The PCB said security around the visiting team had been tightened following the attack.
Naqvi met Sri Lankan players at their Islamabad hotel on Nov 12 and assured them of their safety, Pakistani officials said.
Sri Lanka are playing in a three-match ODI series against Pakistan, before taking part in a T20 tri-series tournament against the hosts and Zimbabwe from Nov 17 to 29. The series is seen as key preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. AFP, REUTERS
