Is the Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan at Risk After Bomb Blast?
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Synopsis
Tension rises as the Sri Lanka men's cricket team faces a potential tour abandonment due to security concerns following a tragic bomb blast in Islamabad. With eight players opting to return home, the implications for the ODI series and future matches are significant. Will the remaining players follow suit?
Key Takeaways
- Eight players from Sri Lanka decide to return home due to security fears.
- The ODI series may be postponed following the bomb blast.
- The Sri Lanka Cricket board issued threats of bans for players opting out.
- Security assurances were provided by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
- The tour carries historical weight due to past security incidents.
Mumbai, Nov 12 (NationPress) The tour of Pakistan by the Sri Lanka men's cricket team faces significant uncertainty as eight of the 16 players have opted to return home following a suicide bomb blast in Islamabad on Tuesday. This incident has raised serious concerns regarding their safety, as reported on Wednesday.
The players plan to depart on Thursday, just hours before the second ODI, according to Telecom Asia Sport.
Sources from Sri Lanka Cricket revealed to www.telecomasia.net that the players have expressed intentions to withdraw from the ODI series ahead of the scheduled match in Rawalpindi, which may now face postponement.
While there has been no official statement from the Sri Lankan board, insiders suggest that the players initially intended to stay and complete their matches after reassurances from Pakistani authorities regarding their safety.
The SLC warned players of a potential two-year ban if they chose to abandon the tour, yet this did not deter them from their decision to return home. "Some board members believe that players should face consequences for breaking ranks and opting to leave without competing," stated sources.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with the Sri Lankan players at their hotel in Islamabad, guaranteeing them comprehensive security measures.
Following this bilateral series, Sri Lanka is set to participate in a Tri-series involving the hosts and Zimbabwe, commencing on November 19.
PCB sources mentioned that, in a worst-case scenario, the board could postpone the tri-series.
Earlier, rumors circulated that the team, led by Charith Asalanka, was returning home after the devastating blast that resulted in 12 fatalities and numerous injuries on Tuesday. Additionally, a terrorist incident at a Cadet Academy in Wana, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, heightened security concerns. The second and third matches are set for Thursday and Saturday, also in Rawalpindi.
Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country's Interior Minister, met with Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to Pakistan, Rear Admiral (R) Fred Siriweera, to address any security fears, as reported by Telecom Asia Sport.
Sources indicated that the Sri Lankan High Commissioner commended the security arrangements and expressed satisfaction. Initially, the players were inclined to continue, but after a team meeting at their hotel, eight decided to return home.
Sri Lanka has a troubled history with security in Pakistan. Their team bus was attacked by armed assailants near the Gaddafi Stadium on March 3, 2009, injuring seven players and resulting in the deaths of eight police officers. This incident led to the abandonment of the tour and the suspension of international cricket in Pakistan until 2015.
Since that time, Pakistan has successfully hosted teams from England, South Africa, and New Zealand multiple times, while Australia made a tour in 2022, marking their first visit in 24 years.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of prioritizing player safety above all else. The recent bomb blast in Islamabad and subsequent player decisions highlight the ongoing security challenges in the region. While the historical context of Sri Lanka's past encounters in Pakistan cannot be ignored, the well-being of athletes must remain paramount in any sporting event.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Sri Lankan players to return home?
The decision was made following a suicide bomb blast in Islamabad that raised significant safety concerns among the players.
How many players decided to leave the tour?
Eight players from the Sri Lankan squad of 16 have chosen to return home.
Is the ODI series with Pakistan still happening?
As of now, the second ODI scheduled for Thursday in Rawalpindi faces potential postponement due to the players' decisions.
What actions did the Sri Lanka Cricket board take regarding player decisions?
The SLC threatened a two-year ban for players who chose to withdraw from the tour.
What was the historical context of Sri Lanka's cricketing relations with Pakistan?
Sri Lanka has a troubled history with Pakistan, including an attack on their team bus in 2009, which led to the suspension of international cricket in the country until 2015.
