In a major win for the sport, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Wednesday rubbished calls to cancel the series, confirming that its ongoing tour of Pakistan will go ahead as planned.
The decision that came despite Tuesday’s suicide bombing in the federal capital that left 12 people dead and 27 injured, was hailed by Pakistani officials as a show of solidarity and confidence in the country’s security efforts.
“No player is returning home,” the manager of the Sri Lankan cricket team confirmed to a private media outlet as SLC clarified that if any player wanted to return despite assurances, he will be replaced in a bid to ensure the continuation of the ongoing series without interruption.
It also warned of a formal assessment by the cricket board over the returning player’s actions.
The confirmation came hours after Sri Lankan team management informed their board that some members 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.
Following the reservations, the 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, will reportedly be meeting the Sri Lankan team to brief them.
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.
Earlier, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner also expressed satisfaction over the security of its team following a meeting with Naqvi in Islamabad.
During the meeting, the chief commissioner and the inspector general of Islamabad gave a detailed briefing on the security being provided to the Sri Lankan team.
It may be noted that the Sri Lankan team’s concerns could be rooted in the bitter memories of 2009 when, for the first time, cricketers were directly targeted by terrorists in an attack on their team bus in Lahore.
International cricket tours in Pakistan were subsequently suspended for approximately ten years, from March 2009 until late 2019 when Sri Lanka returned for a two-Test series.