TL;DR
- Pakistan-Sri Lanka ODI series uncertain after fatal suicide bombing in Islamabad.
- Some Sri Lankan players hesitant to continue tour due to security concerns.
- Sri Lanka Cricket instructs players to stay, replacements ready if anyone leaves.
- Pakistan Cricket Board enhances security and adjusts ODI schedule for the series.
The Pakistan-Sri Lanka One Day International cricket series faces an uncertain future following a fatal suicide bombing in Islamabad at the start of this week. This attack, which resulted in 12 fatalities and 27 injuries, has reportedly made some Sri Lankan cricketers hesitant about proceeding with their tour.
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The team was in Rawalpindi at that moment, where the initial ODI took place as planned shortly after the blast. Notwithstanding the worries, both governing bodies have resolved for the series to continue with heightened security measures.
Sri Lanka Cricket has instructed its players to remain in Pakistan.
On Wednesday, Sri Lanka Cricket issued a strong declaration affirming that the squad will continue their tour of Pakistan and conclude the scheduled matches. The board indicated it had received word that certain players and staff members expressed a desire to depart for home owing to security concerns, but they were instructed to stay with the traveling group.
SLC added that replacements are ready to be flown in immediately if any member decides to leave, ensuring there are "no disruptions" to the ongoing tour. The statement also warned that any player or staff member who disobeyed the directive could face a "formal review" upon returning to Sri Lanka.
The board affirmed to participants that it was collaborating with The Pakistan Cricket Board and regional officials to ensure their security.
The Pakistan tour proceeds as scheduled. The PCB and authorities have guaranteed complete security for players who have voiced safety worries. Substitutes are on standby should any player depart. No interruptions are anticipated. #SLvPAK #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Srb2Aawz4X
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) November 12, 2025
PCB fortifies security, adjusts timeline
Following the incident, the PCB enhanced security measures at the Sri Lankan team's accommodation and along their transit paths. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had a personal meeting with the players in Islamabad, expressing his gratitude for their decision to proceed with the tour.
The PCB also adjusted the timetable, with the second ODI now scheduled for Friday and the third for Sunday, both taking place in Rawalpindi.
This series is under intense scrutiny due to the two countries' intertwined past, notably the 2009 Lahore incident targeting the Sri Lankan squad, which effectively suspended international cricket in Pakistan for close to ten years.
Following the ODI series, Sri Lanka is slated to participate in a T20 tri-series involving Pakistan and Zimbabwe later in the current month.
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