Sri Lanka to Continue Pakistan Tour; Revised ODI Schedule Announced After Suicide Attack

The series seemed in jeopardy after a number of Sri Lankan players expressed their desire to return home following a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad. However, it has emerged that Sri Lanka Cricket has since confirmed their current tour of Pakistan will proceed without hindrance. In a strongly-worded statement released late on Wednesday, the SLC said players, support staff, and team management have been instructed to remain in Pakistan and complete the tour. The board warned that any member of the touring team who decides to return to Sri Lanka against these instructions will be subject to a "formal review" upon their return.

The statement said that Sri Lanka Cricket was informed this morning by the team management that several members of the national team currently touring Pakistan had requested to return home, citing security concerns. Following this development, the SLC immediately contacted the players and assured them that all concerns are being addressed in collaboration with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring team.

The Board emphasized that if any player or staff member wishes to withdraw from the tour, replacements will be sent immediately to ensure no disruption to the series. If any player or member of the touring team decides to return to Sri Lanka despite SLC's directive, Sri Lanka Cricket will immediately send the player to ensure the tour continues without interruption. Suppose any player, player, or support staff member returns despite SLC's directive. In that case, a formal review will be conducted to assess their actions, and appropriate decisions will be made following the review.

It should be noted that 12 people were killed and 27 others injured in a suicide attack outside an Islamabad court on Tuesday. Despite the attack, which occurred just hours before the opening ODI at a ground near Rawalpindi, the match went ahead as scheduled, and Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six runs.

Following the incident, the PCB confirmed that security for the visiting team had been further tightened. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with the Sri Lankan players at their hotel in Islamabad on Wednesday and assured them of comprehensive security. The PCB also announced revised schedules for the remaining matches, with the second ODI now scheduled for Friday, November 14th instead of the 13th, and the third ODI on Sunday, November 16th instead of the 15th, in Rawalpindi. Naqvi said on social media that he was grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue their tour of Pakistan.