New Delhi: After the suicide bombing in Islamabad raised serious security concerns, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has directed its players to continue the Pakistan tour as planned. Some team members reportedly expressed a desire to return home mid-tour, but the board assured them of enhanced safety measures and full cooperation from Pakistani authorities.
Additionally, SLC threatened support personnel and members of the men’s national team with “a formal review” if any players disobeyed its orders and went home.
The opening game of the three-match ODI series between the two teams, which is now taking place in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, was just finished on Tuesday, with the hosts winning by six runs. Following the bilateral series, Sri Lanka will play host Pakistan and Zimbabwe in a tri-series that begins on November 19.
“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, 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.
“In this context, SLC has instructed all players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tour as scheduled. However, should any player or member of the touring party decide to return to Sri Lanka despite the directive issued by SLC to continue with the tour, Sri Lanka Cricket will immediately send replacements to ensure that the tour continues without interruption.
“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 stated in a release.
In response to the events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced modifications to the schedule for both the forthcoming T20I Tri-Nation Tournament between Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe as well as the current ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The T20I Tri-Nation Tournament will now take place entirely in Rawalpindi, starting on November 18 and ending on November 29. The remaining ODI matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will now take place on November 14 and 16 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (RCS).
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Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of India’s Hardik Pandya during the Asia Cup 2023 ODI cricket match between India and Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. (Photo: IANS)
–IANS
