ISLAMABAD, Nov 12: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has instructed all players, coaching staff, and team management to continue the ongoing Pakistan tour as scheduled, following reports that several cricketers had expressed concerns and wished to return home after Tuesday’s suicide blast in Islamabad.
The attack, which killed 12 people and injured 36 outside the district and sessions court in the capital’s G-11 area, occurred while Pakistan and Sri Lanka were playing the first ODI of their tri-nation series in Rawalpindi.
Earlier in the day, reports suggested that up to eight Sri Lankan players were considering returning home due to safety concerns. However, an official SLC statement later clarified that all players would remain in Pakistan and the tour would proceed as planned.
Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour 🇵🇰🇱🇰.
The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright.
The ODI matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played on 14th and 16th November in Rawalpindi.#PakistanCricket #PAKvSL— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 12, 2025
“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,” the board said. “Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities.”
Our special thanks to the Sri Lankan Cricket Team for their visit and for a good display of cricket. Our best wishes and gratitude #FriendshipNotOut
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) November 12, 2025
The statement added that any player or staff member who still chose to leave would be replaced, and their actions reviewed after the tour.
Sri Lankan team manager Mahinda Halangode confirmed that “none are returning” and the squad would continue with the scheduled matches.
My heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lankan Cricket Team for their visit to Pakistan and for always supporting the game of cricket. Keep up the sportsman spirit. We are honoured by your presence
🇵🇰🇱🇰#FriendshipNotOut— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) November 12, 2025
PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi thanked the Sri Lankan side for its decision to stay, saying “the spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright.” He confirmed that the remaining ODIs between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would take place on Friday and Sunday in Rawalpindi.
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The PCB said security measures around the visiting team had been further strengthened. Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral (retd) Fred Seneviratne expressed satisfaction with the arrangements during a meeting with Mr Naqvi.
Good decision by Sri Lankan Cricket Team players to continue the tour. We are grateful and we look forward to exciting matches ahead. #FriendshipNotOut
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) November 12, 2025
The 2009 Lahore attack on the Sri Lankan team still looms large in memory, but officials from both boards reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe and successful series.
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