Sri Lanka releases official statement on remaining ODIs vs Pakistan post Islamabad blast

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has revealed that the board had assured the players of their safety and also instructed the team to continue playing matches as scheduled. The board had also laid out that any member of the touring parties who defied their instruction would need to go through a review. This happened following the suicide bombing in Islamabad.

Deliberations went late in the evening of November 12 regarding the future of the trip, with the players and the management of the SLC officials, and the security officials of Pakistan being involved in the discussion. With logistics being thrown off, the remaining two ODIs of the series have been pushed by a day.

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“Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party.” SL released the statement.

Sri Lanka to face Pakistan in remaining ODIs on November 14 and 16

The chairman of the PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister, has met the Sri Lanka players to reassure them regarding their safety and encourage them to continue the tour. The PCB also released a statement detailing that the briefing on the security provided to the Sri Lanka team has been provided.

“If any player, players, or member 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,” SLC added in the official statement.

Sri Lanka suffered a terrorist attack in Pakistan in 2009 in Lahore, and was among the first teams to resume their trips to Pakistan after the long exile. In the opening Rawalpindi ODI, the hosts held their nerve for a six-run victory against Sri Lanka to go 1-0 up in the series. Salman Agha celebrated a fine century after they lost four wickets under 100 runs, including former captain and veteran batter Babar Azam.