ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) successfully averted a potential crisis as the touring Sri Lanka national cricket team confirmed they will continue their tour, following concerns over a recent deadly suicide bombing in the capital. The PCB swiftly revised the remaining fixtures, ensuring both player safety and continuity of the series.
The second and third ODIs have now been rescheduled for November 14 and 16 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the upcoming T20I tri-nation tournament, featuring Zimbabwe, will also take place entirely in Rawalpindi, beginning November 18 with the final slated for November 29. This move comes amid reports that some Sri Lankan players had initially raised security concerns.
Sri Lanka’s team manager, Mahinda Halangode, clarified that despite earlier speculation, no players will be leaving the tour prematurely. “None are returning,” he said, dismissing rumours of a walkout and affirming the team’s commitment to completing the tour.
To address the situation, the PCB organised a high-level security briefing attended by interior ministry officials, local police chiefs, and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner. Authorities reassured the visiting players that comprehensive security protocols are in place to ensure their safety throughout the tour.
In a joint statement, the Sri Lankan board also indicated that if any player opted to leave, immediate replacements would be arranged to prevent disruption of the series. The swift coordination between the PCB, government security agencies, and the Sri Lankan board has sent a clear message to the international cricket community: Pakistan remains a safe and capable host for major sporting events.
The revised schedule and the touring team’s decision to stay not only protect the integrity of the ongoing series but also bolster Pakistan’s image as a secure destination for international cricket, demonstrating the PCB’s readiness to handle both organisational and security challenges.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.