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SLC unfazed by bomb blast scare; warns players of strict action amid demand to return home

Soumyajit Dutta

Sri Lanka Cricket releases official statement to continue Pakistan tour [Source: @morin_sahab/X.com]Sri Lanka Cricket releases official statement to continue Pakistan tour [Source: @morin_sahab/X.com]

In a recent development, the Sri Lanka Cricket Council has announced that it will continue the Pakistan tour as planned, citing that the PCB and the Pakistan authorities will take full responsibility for the Sri Lankan players participating in the tour. 

No disruptions in the ongoing tour are to be made, as replacements are ready if any Sri Lankan player is willing to leave due to safety concerns. Sri Lanka, in accordance with the PCB, took this measure in the wake of a horrific Islamabad suicide bombing blast on November 11 that shook the country. 

SLC threatens players with 'formal review' circular

In an official statement released on November 12 regarding the Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2025, where the first ODI has already been played, the SLC informed that as several members of the national team have requested to return home, they have agreed to engage with the players. 

The statement underlined that SLC will coordinate with the PCB and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring cricket team. 

The official statement of the SLC, however, also focused on a disruption-free tour of Pakistan. In this context, SLC has instructed all players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tour as scheduled.

"Should any player or member of the touring party decide to return to Sri Lanka despite the directive issued by SLC to continue with the tour, Sri Lanka Cricket will immediately send replacements to ensure that the tour continues without interruption. If any players or members of the support staff return despite SLC's directives, a formal review will be conducted to assess their actions, and an appropriate decision will be made upon the conclusion of the review," the official statement read.

ODI and T20I tri-series rescheduled

While the Sri Lanka Cricket Board is keen on continuing the tour, it is important to note that the ODI tour has been rescheduled, with the 2nd and 3rd ODIs, originally to be played on November 13 and 15, now scheduled for November 14 and 16, respectively, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

The T20I tri-series, where Sri Lanka will also be an integral part alongside host Pakistan and Zimbabwe, has also seen some definite changes, including a change in venue as well as a postponement of the initially scheduled match dates.