Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made it clear that they are not going to cancel the ongoing series against Pakistan. SLC received communication from their team management on November 12, confirming that several members of the national squad currently touring Pakistan have formally requested to return home following deadly bomb blast in Islamabad.
SLC wants to continue Pakistan tour, prepared for replacements
The players cited rising safety concerns following recent security incidents in the region. Upon receiving this development, SLC promptly engaged in discussions with the concerned players, assuring them that all security fears are being diligently addressed. The board emphasized that they are working in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant local authorities to guarantee the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party.
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Despite the players' concerns, Sri Lanka Cricket has issued a clear directive instructing all players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tour as originally scheduled. However, the board also announced contingency plans: should any player or touring party member choose to return to Sri Lanka despite this directive, SLC will immediately send replacements to Pakistan. This measure is intended to ensure that the three-match ODI series proceeds without any interruption or cancellation.
Consequences for Defying the Board's Instruction
Sri Lanka Cricket also made it clear that defying the directive to continue the tour will result in an internal review. The board confirmed that if any players or support staff members return to Sri Lanka against SLC's instruction, a formal review will be conducted to assess their actions. An appropriate decision regarding their conduct will then be made by the board upon the conclusion of this review, signaling the seriousness with which the board views the commitment to the tour.
This is what the SLC's statement read:
"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.
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."
Deadly Islamabad suicide attack
The deadly suicide bombing took place at a judicial complex in Islamabad on November 11. This explosion tragically resulted in 12 fatalities and left 27 people injured. Pakistan's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, detailed the attack, stating that the bomber detonated the device at 12:39 PM local time. The assailant had attempted to enter the court building on foot but, after waiting for a period of 10 to 15 minutes, detonated the explosive device outside, near a police vehicle. In the wake of this alarming incident, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that they immediately increased the level of security surrounding the visiting Sri Lankan team. While the last two matches are officially scheduled to be held on November 12 and 14 in Rawalpindi, the request from multiple Sri Lankan players to cancel the tour casts a significant shadow on the tour.