Following a suicide bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed his gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for their decision to continue the ongoing tour of Pakistan. Several Sri Lankan players had expressed safety concerns following the deadly attack on Tuesday, which killed 12 and injured 27. The blast occurred in Islamabad on November 11, the same day the first ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was held in Rawalpindi.
The Sri Lankan team's concerns reportedly stemmed from Rawalpindi's proximity to Islamabad, where the bombing took place. Some players communicated their desire to return home, leading to urgent discussions between the two cricket boards. SLC, however, has directed its team to continue the tour. The board also stated that players returning against this directive would face a "formal review". SLC also affirmed that replacements would be sent to ensure the tour's continuation.
Naqvi met with the Sri Lankan team in their Islamabad hotel to personally assure them of their safety and brief them on enhanced security measures. He also met with Sri Lanka's High Commissioner, Admiral (retired) Fred Seneviratne. According to sources, this intervention was crucial in reassuring the team.
Pakistani authorities have increased security for the visiting team, deploying the Pakistan Army and paramilitary Rangers to oversee protection arrangements. Naqvi also reviewed security arrangements at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.
Taking to social media, Naqvi conveyed his appreciation: "Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour. The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright".
The PCB has announced revisions to the schedule of the ODI series and the T20I Tri-Nation Tournament, which includes Zimbabwe. The remaining ODI matches have been rescheduled for November 14 and 16, and the tri-nation tournament will now be held entirely in Rawalpindi, commencing November 18, with the final on November 29.
Security concerns between Pakistan and international cricket teams have been ongoing since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, which suspended international cricket in Pakistan for nearly a decade. Sri Lanka's tour in 2019 marked the return of major international cricket to the country.
