Cricket wins as Sri Lanka decide to go ahead with Pakistan tour amid security concerns

• Minister of Information, Minister of Defense thanks the team for staying.
• Lahore Qalandaars say SL team defeated terrorism.
• SL players who withdraw from series face criticism.
  

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Wednesday that its ongoing tour of Pakistan will go ahead as planned, despite calls for the series to be canceled following Tuesday’s suicide bombing in Islamabad that left 12 dead and 27 injured.

The decision was greeted with relief and appreciation in Islamabad, where officials hailed it as a show of solidarity and confidence in Pakistan’s security efforts.

‘No player coming home’, Sri Lanka cricket team manager confirms Geo Newsadding that all Sri Lankan players will remain in Pakistan.

In a statement, the SLC clarified that if any player wants to return to Sri Lanka despite the assurance, they will be replaced in an effort to ensure the ongoing series continues without interruption, but the player will have to undergo a formal cricket assessment of their actions.

The statement comes after fears arose after Tuesday’s suicide bombing in Islamabad, which killed 12 people and injured 27 outside a court.

The SLC said the team management had informed the board earlier in the day that some members of the national team had asked to leave Pakistan.

The board said it was in direct contact with the players, assuring them that all security concerns were being addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities.

The board instructed all players, support staff and team management to remain in Pakistan and proceed with the tour as planned.

However, the SLC clarified that if any player or team member still chose to return home, replacements would be sent immediately to ensure the series continued without interruption.

The cricket board also warned that any player or staff member who flouts the directive will face a formal review after the tour is over, with disciplinary action to be decided accordingly.

Following the reservations expressed by the Sri Lankan cricketer, the PCB said security around the visiting team had been increased following the attack.

To address the concerns, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the home minister, is meeting the Sri Lankan team to brief them about the security arrangements in place, sources revealed.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening one-day international in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, a game that continued despite a suicide attack in Islamabad’s twin city.

Meanwhile, Naqvi announced that the matches — earlier scheduled to be held on November 13 and 15 — will not be held on November 14 and 16.

In a statement, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar thanked the Sri Lankan cricket team and said: “We are honored by your presence.”

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also said: “We especially thank the Sri Lankan cricket team for their visit and for showing good cricket. Our best wishes and gratitude.”

PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars said the Sri Lankan team defeated terrorism.

Punjab Assembly member Hina Parvez Bhutt expressed her gratitude to the SLC for standing firm on Pakistan, saying every run in the Pakistan-Sri Lanka cricket match is a victory against terrorism.

He added that the courage and solidarity of the SLC was a reminder to all that peace always prevails.

Punjab Chief Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also expressed his gratitude to the Sri Lankan cricket board and team for playing alongside Pakistan and standing strong, saying every run in the series is a blow to terrorism.

“Partners in peace, rivals on the field – united for a better tomorrow,” he said.

The development came hours after Sri Lanka’s High Commission expressed satisfaction over the safety of its men’s national team after meeting Naqvi in ​​Islamabad.

The satisfaction was expressed during his meeting with interior minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the cricket board said in a statement on Wednesday.

Both team managers, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, Islamabad chief commissioner and Islamabad police chief were also present on the occasion, the release said.

During the meeting, the chief commissioner and the IGP of Islamabad gave a detailed briefing on the security provided to the Sri Lankan team.

Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said the Sri Lankan cricket team players are “our state guests and all necessary measures have been ensured for their foolproof security”.

He emphasized that ensuring a safe environment for visiting players is the top priority of the government.

The Sri Lankan High Commissioner, in response, expressed his solidarity with the government over the attack and expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims. He also expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements made for the team.