In a statement, the SLC said that although some players had requested to return home following the incident, the board had addressed their safety concerns in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities.
“The team has been directed to remain in Pakistan and proceed with the tour as planned,” the statement read. It added that if any player still opted to leave, replacements would be sent to ensure the series continued without interruption. Those defying the directive would face a formal review by the board after the tour.
Sources said PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a detailed meeting with the Sri Lankan team to brief them on security measures, while security around the visitors was further strengthened.
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in the first one-day international in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, a match that went ahead despite the bombing in nearby Islamabad. The PCB later announced that the next two matches, originally scheduled for November 13 and 15, would now be played on November 14 and 16.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar thanked the Sri Lankan team for standing by Pakistan, saying, “We are honoured by your presence.” Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also extended gratitude to the visitors, calling their decision “a fine gesture of friendship and sportsmanship.” PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars said in a statement that “the Sri Lankan team defeated terrorism.”
Earlier in the day, Naqvi met Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Rear Admiral (R) Fred Siriweera in Islamabad. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements for the visiting players. Naqvi said that the Sri Lankan team were “our state guests” and that “foolproof measures have been ensured for their safety.”
The Sri Lankan envoy expressed solidarity with Pakistan over the attack and conveyed condolences to the victims’ families, reaffirming his government’s confidence in the ongoing security cooperation.
