Sri Lanka cricket team to continue Pakistan tour

• Info minister, defence minister thank team for staying.
• Lahore Qalandars say SL team defeated terrorism.
• SL players who withdraw from series to face review.
  

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday confirmed that the ongoing Pakistan tour will continue as scheduled, prompting officials in Islamabad to felicitate the island nation’s decision.

In a statement, the SLC clarified that if any player wants to return to Sri Lanka despite the assurance, he will be replaced in a bid to ensure the continuation of the ongoing series without interruption, but the player would have to undergo a formal assessment by the cricket board over his actions.

The statement comes after fears arose following Tuesday’s suicide bombing in Islamabad, which killed 12 people and wounded 27 outside a court.

The Sri Lankan cricket board, in the statement, said the team management had informed the board earlier in the day that some members of the national squad had requested to leave Pakistan.

The board said it had immediately engaged with the players, assuring them that all safety concerns were being addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities.

The board directed all players, support staff, and team management to remain in Pakistan and proceed with the tour as planned.

However, SLC clarified that if any player or team member still chose to return home, replacements would be sent promptly to ensure the series continues without disruption.

The cricket board also warned that any player or staff member who defies the directive would face a formal review after the tour’s conclusion, with disciplinary action to be decided accordingly.

Following the reservations expressed by the Sri Lankan cricketer, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said security around the visiting team had been increased following the attack.

To address the concerns, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Interior Minister, is meeting the Sri Lankan team to brief them about the security arrangements in place, sources revealed.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening one-day international in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, a game that went ahead despite the suicide attack in the twin city of Islamabad.

Meanwhile, Naqvi announced that the matches — earlier set to take place on November 13 and 15 — would not be staged on November 14 and 16.

In a statement, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar thanked the Sri Lankan Cricket Team and said: “We are honoured by your presence.”

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also said: “Our special thanks to the Sri Lankan Cricket Team for their visit and for a good display of cricket. Our best wishes and gratitude.”

PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars said the Sri Lankan team defeated terrorism.

PCB boss meets Sri Lankan envoy

The development came hours after the Sri Lankan High Commissioner expressed satisfaction over the security of its national men's team following a meeting with Naqvi in Islamabad.

The satisfaction was expressed during his meeting with Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the cricket board said in a statement on Wednesday.

Both team managers, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, the Islamabad chief commissioner and the Islamabad police chief were also present on the occasion, according to the statement.

‎During the meeting, the chief commissioner and the IGP Islamabad gave a detailed briefing on the security being provided to the Sri Lankan team.

Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said that the players of the Sri Lankan cricket team are "our state guests and all necessary measures have been ensured for their foolproof security."

He emphasised that providing a safe environment for the visiting players is the top priority of the government.

The Sri Lankan high commissioner, in response, expressed solidarity with the government over the attack and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements made for the team.