Amid chaos and fear, Sri Lanka Pakistan series schedule stays firm

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has directed its players, coaching staff, and management to continue participating in the Pakistan-hosted tri-nation series despite earlier reports suggesting that several cricketers were preparing to fly back home due to safety concerns. The Sri Lanka Pakistan series schedule will therefore continue as planned.

The development came after a tragic suicide attack outside the district and sessions court in Islamabad’s G-11 area, which claimed 12 lives and left 36 others injured. The explosion occurred while Pakistan was hosting the first One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, raising alarm among some touring players.

Initial reports hinted that at least eight Sri Lankan cricketers had voiced their desire to withdraw from the series. “The second ODI against Pakistan tomorrow is in doubt, but substitute players will be sent to continue the tri-nation series,” a Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) source told AFP. The source added that several players might be heading home without completing the white-ball series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

However, in a firm statement later issued by SLC, the board clarified that all members of the touring contingent had been instructed to proceed with the series as planned.

“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.”

The statement further emphasized that replacements would be dispatched if any player or staff member still opted to leave, ensuring the tournament continued without disruption.

“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 board added.

Following the attack, the Pakistan Cricket Board heightened security measures around the Sri Lankan team. The Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan, Rear Admiral (retired) Fred Seneviratne, met Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, expressing satisfaction over the security arrangements in place.

Meanwhile, Pakistani officials lauded Sri Lanka’s commitment to the tour.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif thanked the visitors on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “their visit and for a good display of cricket.”Similarly, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar extended his appreciation, writing, “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.”

The PCB confirmed that the remaining fixtures of the tri-nation series will proceed on Thursday and Saturday in Rawalpindi, maintaining the Sri Lanka Pakistan series schedule as originally planned.

The situation rekindled painful memories of the 2009 Lahore attack, when the Sri Lankan team bus came under fire during a Test match, killing eight and injuring several players and staff. Despite that dark chapter, Sri Lanka’s willingness to continue the current series underscores the resilience of international cricket’s return to Pakistan — even amid challenges that once again put safety under the spotlight.