Post by : Maya Rahman

In light of a suicide bombing in Islamabad that resulted in 12 fatalities, some Sri Lankan cricketers expressed their desire to return home while on tour. Nonetheless, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Board firmly instructed all players and coaching staff to continue their commitments in Pakistan or face repercussions.

The Sri Lankan team is currently engaged in a tour of Pakistan, which includes three one-day internationals (ODIs) and a Twenty20 tri-series alongside Zimbabwe. The second ODI is set for Thursday in Rawalpindi, located merely 20 km (12 miles) from Islamabad. The violent act has stoked fears among some players, prompting requests for early departures for security reasons.

In response, the SLC reassured its players, clarifying that their concerns were being taken seriously. The board is in close collaboration with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals traveling with the team. Despite these reassurances, the SLC emphasized that everyone involved must adhere to the tour schedule as planned.

The SLC cautioned that any player opting to withdraw would be swiftly replaced to maintain the integrity of the tour. A formal assessment of any such decisions will follow, although the board did not specify how many players had sought to return.

Confirming the continuation of the remaining ODIs on Friday and Sunday in Rawalpindi, Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman and federal interior minister of Pakistan, expressed thanks to the Sri Lankan team for their resilience and praised their spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity.

Pakistan has faced hurdles in hosting international cricket due to prior security concerns, notably the 2009 attack on a bus carrying Sri Lankan players in Lahore, which left six players injured and caused widespread withdrawal of international teams. Since then, Pakistan has notably enhanced security measures, fostering the return of international cricket venues. Sri Lanka last toured Pakistan in 2019, marking a triumphant revival of test cricket there.

In this series, Pakistan emerged victorious by six runs in the first ODI held in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. Despite the recent incident, both cricket boards remain committed to completing the series as scheduled. These matches also offer a platform for players to showcase their skills and resilience despite the precarious situation.

Officials from both countries underscored that safety protocols have been reinforced and that all necessary systems are in place to safeguard players and personnel. The commitment shown by Sri Lankan cricketers to remain and fulfill their series obligations is regarded as a strong endorsement of the security measures and a testament to their professional dedication.

The ongoing tour will continue to be supervised closely, with cricket authorities cooperating to ensure the seamless running of the remaining matches. Fans from both nations are keenly observing the series, which not only evaluates cricketing expertise but also embodies the determination and resilience of the players amidst unforeseen adversities.

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