Sri Lanka Pushes On with Pakistan Tour Despite Security Worries
Sri Lanka Pushes On with Pakistan Tour Despite Security Worries
Sri Lanka presses ahead with its Pakistan tour after players voice security concerns; PCB pledges robust security and reschedules ODIs as threat levels tighten.
Sri Lanka Cricket has directed its national team to continue the white-ball tour in Pakistan despite several players voicing safety concerns after a suicide bombing outside a court in Islamabad hours before a scheduled ODI in Rawalpindi. The decision underscores a commitment to cricket diplomacy even as security fears linger.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Interior Minister, assured the team of strong security during a meeting with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Islamabad. He inspected the Pindi Cricket Stadium and reviewed security arrangements with top security officials, team managers, and officials from both cricket boards.
The Sri Lanka Cricket statement said that players’ safety concerns are being addressed in close coordination with the PCB and authorities to ensure the well-being of everyone involved, and warned that replacements could be sent if any member of the touring party departs against directives.
The remaining two ODIs have been rescheduled for Friday and Sunday in Rawalpindi, while Zimbabwe will join Sri Lanka and Pakistan for a T20 tri-series starting next week. Rawalpindi is set to host two games and Lahore five, reflecting a broader effort to keep cricket alive in the region despite recent threats.
Such resilience reflects a broader commitment to cricket diplomacy and the enduring appeal of the sport, even as security concerns cast a shadow over regional fixtures.
Cover image source: Sri Lanka to continue cricket tour of Pakistan despite players raising security concerns 🔗
