Scared Sri Lankan players ordered to stay in Pakistan post Islamabad blast; Mohsin Naqvi says ‘solidarity shines bright’

By Admin

13 Nov, 2025

In a tense turn of events following a deadly blast in Islamabad, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has directed its national players to continue with the ongoing ODI series against Pakistan despite growing safety concerns. The decision comes after at least eight Sri Lankan players expressed their wish to return home, citing fears for their safety in the wake of the attack.

Safety Concerns After Islamabad Blast
The tragic suicide bombing in Islamabad on Tuesday left 12 people dead and 27 injured outside the district court building. The incident raised alarm among the Sri Lankan cricket contingent currently touring Pakistan for a three-match ODI series. As news spread, several players reportedly conveyed their desire to cut the tour short and fly back home, triggering immediate discussions within SLC.

SLC Orders Players to Continue Tour
In an official statement released late on Wednesday, the SLC instructed all players, support staff, and management to continue with the tour as scheduled. The Board assured that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities have taken all necessary measures to strengthen security around the visiting team.

“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,” the statement read. “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 relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party.”

Threat of Formal Review for Defiance
The SLC further warned that any player or staff member who chooses to return home despite the directive will face a formal review. “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,” it said. “A formal review will be conducted to assess their actions, and an appropriate decision will be made upon the conclusion of the review.”

Mohsin Naqvi Expresses Gratitude and Assurance
Following the unrest, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi personally met with the Sri Lankan team at their hotel to reassure them of their safety. Naqvi also expressed gratitude for the team’s decision to continue the tour, stating, “Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour. The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright.”

Memories of 2009 Lahore Attack Resurface
The Islamabad blast has rekindled haunting memories of the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. During that tragic incident, gunmen opened fire on the team bus en route to the Gaddafi Stadium, injuring several players including Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Ajantha Mendis. The attack led to a long hiatus, with no international cricket in Pakistan for over a decade.

Revised Schedule Announced by PCB
In response to the Islamabad incident, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced a revised schedule. The remaining ODI matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will now take place on November 14 and 16 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Additionally, the upcoming T20I Tri-Nation Tournament featuring Zimbabwe will now begin on November 18, with all matches shifted to Rawalpindi for enhanced security.

A Test of Resilience and Sportsmanship
The current situation serves as a stern reminder of the challenges faced by international cricket teams touring regions with security sensitivities. Yet, amid the uncertainty, the solidarity between Pakistan and Sri Lanka stands as a testament to the resilience of the sport and the unwavering spirit of international camaraderie.