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Pakistan ODI series against Sri Lanka faces uncertainty after Islamabad bomb blast prompts security concerns and player withdrawals ahead of Rawalpindi game.
Eight Sri Lanka cricketers will return from Pakistan early amidst security concerns (Picture credit: AFP)
Pakistan’s three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka has suddenly been thrown into uncertainty after a bomb blast in Islamabad killed 12 people on Tuesday and has sparked security concerns within the Lankan camp, with eight players all set to fly back on Thursday, according to a report in PTI.
As a result, the second ODI scheduled for Thursday in Rawalpindi has been called off. Pakistan had earlier clinched the first ODI at the same venue on Tuesday, winning by six runs.
The Sri Lankan team is scheduled to play a triangular series as well, involving the hosts and Zimbabwe, after the three ODIs. According to the report, replacements will be sent for those returning home.
The report further states that the cricketers’ decision to return home stemmed from concerns over Rawalpindi’s proximity to Islamabad, where the ODIs were being held.
Earlier in the day, the security problem was discussed in a meeting in Islamabad between the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Admiral (Retd.) Fred Seneviratne, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and senior government officials.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the security situation was discussed in the presence of top police officials of Islamabad.
Naqvi assured Seneviratne that the visiting players and officials were being treated as state guests in Pakistan. After the briefing, the High Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements.
But by the looks of it, no arrangements were enough to satisfy the Sri Lankan cricketers of the situation.
In 2009, the Sri Lankan cricket team bus was attacked by gunmen when it was on its way to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the second Test.
Multiple members of the Sri Lankan team, including Ajantha Mendis, Chaminda Vaas and skipper Mahela Jayawardene, were injured in the attack, while several Pakistani security personnel lost their lives.
After the attack, international teams avoided touring Pakistan for more than a decade, forcing the nation to host its home games at neutral venues in the Middle East.
November 12, 2025, 22:52 IST
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