The Sri Lankan cricket team is currently in Pakistan as both the nations are locking horns in the ongoing three-match ODI series. In the first ODI, Pakistan registered a thrilling victory in the first ODI by six runs in Rawalpindi on November 11. However, a few hours after the end of the first ODI, a few members of the Sri Lankan Cricket team requested to return home amid security reasons in Pakistan.
The concern among the Sri Lankan players raised after a horrific suicide bombig in Islamabad on November 11. A suicide bomber blew themself up outside of the District Judicial Complex in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, due to which 12 people lost their lives and 36 were injured. Islamabad is also not far away from Rawalpindi and the players decided
to leave the tour midway due to safety. However, the Sri Lankan Cricket Board also asked the players to stay back and play the series.
Sri Lankan Board convinces players to stay, ODI series to continue as per schedule
After this, the Sri Lankan Cricket Board released a statement where they confirmed that as coordinating with Pakistan Cricket Board and asked players to stay and complete the tour. “Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was informed by the team management this morning that several members of the national team currently touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns. Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party. In this context, SLC has instructed all players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tour as scheduled," the board said in a statement.
"However, 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. If any player, players, or member of the support staff return despite SLC's directives, a formal review will be conducted to assess their actions, and an appropriate decision will be made upon the conclusion of the review," the statement added.
