Sri Lanka to continue Pakistan tour after PCB assures foolproof security

ODIs between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, set for Nov 13 & 15, postponed by a day; now on Nov 14 & 16 in Rawalpindi

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday confirmed that its national team will continue its ongoing tour of Pakistan after initial reports suggested several players had requested to return home following a deadly terrorist attack in Islamabad.

The attack raised fresh concerns among the visiting Sri Lankan cricketers, some of whom reportedly cited security fears and sought permission to fly back home.

The Sri Lankan team is currently in Pakistan for a One-Day International (ODI) series and a triangular Twenty20 tournament featuring Pakistan and Zimbabwe as well.

Read: Agha and Rauf help Pakistan win first Sri Lanka ODI in Rawalpindi

According to AFP, at least eight Sri Lankan players initially expressed their intention to return home without participating in the remaining fixtures of the tri-nation series.

The development prompted swift intervention from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who held an emergency meeting with the Sri Lankan players and management to address their concerns.

Sources said Naqvi personally resolved each issue raised by the players and assured them that he would 'personally supervise' the security of all team members throughout their stay in Pakistan.

An extensive 90-minute meeting was later held between Naqvi and the visiting Sri Lanka team, during which he guaranteed foolproof security arrangements and offered detailed briefings on the measures being implemented. The meeting helped calm the situation, and the team agreed to continue the tour.

In a gesture of goodwill, the PCB chief also invited the families of Sri Lankan players to visit Pakistan and watch the matches in person.

Following the discussions, Sri Lanka Cricket issued an official statement confirming that the tour would go ahead as planned, while warning players against withdrawing unilaterally.

“The SLC engaged immediately with the players and assured them that all safety concerns are being addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board and relevant authorities to guarantee the well-being of every member of the touring cricketers,” the board said.

It added that all players, support staff, and management have been instructed to proceed with the tour as scheduled.

"Should any player or member of the touring party decide to return to Sri Lanka despite the directive issued by SLC to continue with the tour, Sri Lanka Cricket will immediately send replacements to ensure that the tour continues without interruption," the statement read.

The SLC further noted that any member of the squad or support staff who defied the board’s instructions and returned to Sri Lanka prematurely would face a formal review after the tour’s conclusion.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi later took to X to thank the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the tour.

Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour 🇵🇰🇱🇰.
The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright.
The ODI matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played on 14th and 16th November in Rawalpindi.#PakistanCricket #PAKvSL

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 12, 2025

“Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour,” the PCB chief wrote, adding that “the spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright.”

He also confirmed that the ODI matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, originally scheduled for November 13 and 15, have been postponed by one day and will now be played on November 14 and 16 in Rawalpindi.

The PCB, in a statement, has also confirmed the rescheduling, adding that tickets purchased for the November 13 and 15 matches will remain valid for November 14 and 16, respectively.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also expressed appreciation, echoing similar sentiments.

My heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lankan Cricket Team for their visit to Pakistan and for always supporting the game of cricket. Keep up the sportsman spirit. We are honoured by your presence
🇵🇰🇱🇰#FriendshipNotOut

— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) November 12, 2025

“My heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lankan cricket team for their visit to Pakistan and for always supporting the sport of cricket,” he wrote, commending the visitors for upholding the spirit of sportsmanship. “We are honoured by your presence,” he added.