Several Sri Lankan cricket players currently touring Pakistan for a three-match ODI series have sought permission to return home citing serious safety concerns following a deadly suicide bomb blast in Islamabad that killed 12 people. The blast occurred close to Rawalpindi, where the matches are being played, heightening anxiety among the players. Around eight players reportedly expressed a desire to leave immediately, affecting the scheduling of the second ODI in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka Cricket Urges Players to Stay in Pakistan Amid Security Concerns
However, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has urged the players to continue the tour, assuring them that their security concerns are being addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities. The SLC has warned players that leaving Pakistan against board directives will lead to a formal review and possible disciplinary action. It has also stated that replacements will be sent if players decide to return home, ensuring the tour continues without interruption.
The situation is sensitive due to the proximity of the bombing to the match venues and past security incidents involving the Sri Lankan team in Pakistan, notably the 2009 Lahore attack where several players were injured.
Schedule of the series
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI series schedule has been revised due to security concerns. The remaining two ODI matches will now be played on November 14 and November 16, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The initial dates for these matches were November 13 and November 15, but they were postponed by a day each. The first ODI was already played on November 11, 2025, with Pakistan winning by six runs.
Following the ODIs, a T20I Tri-Nation Tournament involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe will be held entirely in Rawalpindi, starting from November 18 and concluding with the final on November 29, 2025.
Summary of the revised schedule:
- 1st ODI: November 11, 2025 (played)
- 2nd ODI: November 14, 2025
- 3rd ODI: November 14, 2025
- T20I Tri-Nation Tournament: November 18 to November 29, 2025
All matches are to be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan.
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The SLC has emphasized the importance of player safety but has instructed the team to remain in Pakistan and fulfill the tour commitments.
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