Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has issued a directive for the national team to continue their ongoing bilateral series in Pakistan, even as several players requested to return home, citing safety concerns, CNN-News18 has learnt. The row follows the deadly suicide blast in nearby Islamabad.
The team management informed SLC this morning of the players’ concerns. In response, SLC immediately engaged with the touring party, assuring them that their safety concerns are being addressed “in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities” to ensure the well-being of every member.
The PCB, in turn, has offered assurances of “foolproof security” for the Sri Lankan squad, treating them as state guests with significantly enhanced
protection measures, including involvement of the army and paramilitary forces. This commitment is crucial as Pakistan seeks to solidify the return of top-tier international cricket.
Despite the anxiety within the squad, SLC has instructed all players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tour as scheduled.
In a strong message upholding the commitment to the series, SLC stated that should any player or touring party member choose to return to Sri Lanka against the board’s directive, immediate replacements will be sent to ensure the tour proceeds without interruption.
Furthermore, any player or staff member who returns despite the instruction will face a formal review to assess their actions, with an appropriate decision to be made upon the review’s conclusion.
