Last Updated:
Sri Lanka Cricket has reportedly asked its players to stay back in Pakistan after a deadly suicide attack in Islamabad.
Eight Sri Lanka cricketers reportedly requested to be sent home. (AFP Photo)
Pakistan has rescheduled its ongoing three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at home in the wake of a suicide attack in Islamabad where the visiting team is staying. Several players of the touring party requested to return home, citing safety concerns, following which the cricket boards of the two teams sprang into action with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) instructing the squad members to stay put.
PAK-SL ODI Series Rescheduled
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the second and third ODIs have been postponed by a day. The two teams were to clash in Rawalpindi for the second ODI on Thursday, but it will now be held on Friday, while the third ODI, slated for November 15, will now be played on November 16.
Pakistan won the first ODI, held on November 11, by six runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Sri Lanka Cricket Threatens Its Players
While assuring its players that their concerns are being addressed, with PCB assuring the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party, SLC has also told players to stay put, and those who defy its directives will undergo a formal review.
“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was informed by the team management this morning that several members of the national team currently touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns.
“Following this development, the SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close consultation with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party,” the statement said.
“If any player, players, or member of the support staff return despite SLC’s directives, a formal review will be conducted to assess their actions, and an appropriate decision will be made upon the conclusion of the review,” it added.
2009 Terrorist Attack On Sri Lankan Team
A Sri Lankan team was attacked by terrorists when they were on their way to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Several Sri Lankan cricketers, including Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Samaraweera, and Tharanga Paravitarana, were injured, following which the tour was immediately called off.
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital…Read More
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital… Read More
November 13, 2025, 08:26 IST
Read More
