SLC asks players, support staff to continue with Pakistan tour as planned despite Islamabad bomb blast

Published - 13 Nov 2025, 10:19 IST | Updated - 13 Nov 2025, 10:24 IST

Earlier on Wednesday, multiple media reports claimed that up to eight Sri Lankan cricketers who are in Pakistan for the upcoming ODI and T20I Tri-Series, had asked to arrange a return to Sri Lanka following the bomb blasts that took place in Islamabad. However, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has assured players of complete safety.

SLC disclosed that they took swift action and consulted aggressively with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the safety and well-being of the entire Sri Lanka roster present in the country for the tour. However, families of several cricketers expressed concerns over safety, putting a bit of external pressure as well on SLC, which they claimed that will not be an issue at all.

"Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party," SLC said in an official statement on Wednesday, November 12.

ODI series in jeopardy as SL players return home from PAK

In addition to the note, the board also advised that all the players of the current squad and the support staff shall remain in Pakistan and proceed with the original schedule as planned. Furthermore, it added that if any member of the squad or the support staff chooses to head back home, it will be deemed a disobedience of the directive and thus, a formal review shall be conducted against such person(s).

"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," the board statement read further.

Moreover, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has himself given the assurance to the visiting team members of their strict security protocols to continue with an undisturbed proceeding of the tour. Additionally, Naqvi will also do an official meeting with the Lankan roster. It is, however, to be noted that the original schedule of the tour has seen a revision, where all the matches have been postponed by a day each.

Further details on the matter are currently awaited.