Sri Lanka cricketers agree to risk their lives in Pakistan after pressure!! SLC issues official statement

Amid rising security concerns in Pakistan after a suicide bombing in Islamabad, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that its national team will continue the ongoing tour after detailed discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board and local authorities.

The SLC has confirmed that the 16-member squad, along with the coaching and support staff, has decided to "continue with the tour" and complete both the ongoing three-match ODI series against Pakistan and the upcoming T20I tri-series involving the hosts and Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka to continue Pakistan tour despite Islamabad bombing scare

The decision came after high-level talks between the boards and government agencies, ensuring that all safety measures are in place for the visiting side. Security around the team has been significantly strengthened, with additional personnel deployed at hotels, stadiums, and travel routes.

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The SLC said in an official media release: “This decision follows assurances provided by Sri Lanka Cricket, in close consultation with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities, to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party. Accordingly, the players, team management, and support staff will remain in Pakistan to take part in the ongoing ODI series and the upcoming T20I tri-series.”

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Official Statment from SLC : Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan 2025.#sportspavilionlk #danushkaaravinda #SLvsPAK #PAKvsSL pic.twitter.com/seR8GRONr5

— DANUSHKA ARAVINDA (@DanuskaAravinda) November 13, 2025

Here's the revised schedule for the ODI series:

November 11: First ODI, Rawalpindi

November 14: Second ODI, Rawalpindi

November 16: Third ODI, Rawalpindi

Sri Lanka's fixture in Tri-Nation T201 Series:

November 20: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi

November 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi

November 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi

November 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi

November 29: Final, Rawalpindi

Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) issued a strong warning to its players and support staff after several members of the national team expressed a desire to return home due to security fears in Pakistan following a deadly suicide blast in Islamabad on Tuesday that killed 12 people and injured 27.

Family members of some players back in Sri Lanka were reportedly worried and urged them to come home. However, SLC made it clear that anyone who leaves the tour without approval will face a formal review once they return. The board wants the team to complete the series as planned.

Read Also: PCB's Mohsin Naqvi forced to change Tri Series schedule after Sri Lankan resistance

Sanath Jayasuriya and staff assure commitment to finish Pakistan tour despite fears

Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and his staff assured the board that they are ready to stay and finish the tour. Jayasuriya stated, “The support staff was very clear that we wanted to stay and complete the tour. But as the team management on tour, we heard the players’ concerns and made sure we addressed them at length.”

To calm the situation, the PCB chairman and interior minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the team’s hotel to personally reassure the Sri Lankan players. He promised tighter security, including a separate elevator and dining area for the team, along with increased protection around their hotel and travel routes. Back in 2009, the Sri Lankan team bus was targeted by terrorists in Lahore.