The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board has urged its players to continue the ongoing One Day International (ODI) series in Pakistan, despite growing security concerns following the Islamabad bomb blast that claimed 12 lives on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred just 15 km from Rawalpindi — the venue for the second ODI — has unsettled several members of the visiting team.

Players express desire to return home

According to reports, at least eight Sri Lankan players informed team management of their intention to return home on Thursday, hours before the second ODI in Rawalpindi. The players reportedly cited security fears given the close proximity of the blast site to the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

In an official statement, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed receiving requests from certain players to end the tour prematurely.

“SLC was informed by the team management that several members of the national team currently touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns,” the board said.

SLC assures coordination with PCB and authorities

The Sri Lankan board said it had engaged with the players immediately, assuring them that their safety was being handled in coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local security agencies.

“All concerns are being duly addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party,” SLC added.

The statement further confirmed that the board has instructed all players, support staff, and management to continue the tour as scheduled, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining cricketing relations with Pakistan.

Warning of strict action for defiance

The SLC also made it clear that any player choosing to return home against official directives could face disciplinary action.

“If any player or member of the touring party decides to return to Sri Lanka despite the directive issued by SLC, replacements will be immediately sent to ensure the tour continues without interruption,” the statement said.

The board added that such cases would be formally reviewed, and “an appropriate decision will be made upon the conclusion of the review.”

Upcoming tri-series in Pakistan

Following the ODI series, Pakistan is scheduled to host a T20I tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The Pakistan Cricket Board, led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi—who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister—has assured enhanced security arrangements for the remainder of the series and the upcoming tri-nation tournament.

A PCB official reiterated that “security protocols are being implemented at the highest level” and that all teams are being provided with presidential-level protection.

Background and security concerns

The latest explosion in Islamabad has revived memories of the 2009 Lahore terror attack, when gunmen targeted the Sri Lankan cricket team’s bus, leading to a decade-long suspension of international cricket in Pakistan. Since then, the PCB has worked extensively to restore global confidence by hosting international matches under heavy security.

However, Wednesday’s attack has once again heightened fears among foreign players and boards, prompting renewed discussions about the safety of touring teams.

Despite these concerns, SLC officials have maintained that the tour will proceed as planned, and that security reassurances from Pakistan’s government and PCB remain firm.