Sri Lanka’s cricketers have opted to stay on in Pakistan after receiving what officials called “iron-clad security assurances” from Islamabad, ending a tense 24 hours in which the tour appeared on the brink of collapse.
Wednesday’s suicide bombing in the capital, just 25 kilometres from the team hotel and killing 12 people, sent shockwaves through the Sri Lankan camp. Several senior players, including captain Charith Asalanka, were reportedly ready to fly home, fearing a repeat of the 2009 Lahore horror.
But after urgent intervention from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and a strong request from the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board to honour the fixtures, the players made a dramatic U-turn following overnight discussions.
All players are staying back and the tour will continue. The Executive Committee met yesterday and felt the tour should continue. We were even prepared to send replacements, but we felt there was no reason to pull out and are pleased the players decided to stay.
‘VVIP-Level Security’ and Reworked Schedule
SLC officials confirmed that players and staff had been given VVIP-level protection, with detailed safety protocols in place — including cleared routes for team movement and, if necessary, the option to hold games in empty stadiums.
We’ve done our diligence. The safety plan is clear and robust. Families were understandably anxious, but the assurances we received were strong and specific.
Fans, the board said, would still “witness the series,” as both governments vowed to keep cricket’s show on the road.
The tour schedule has been slightly adjusted:
• The second ODI, originally slated for Thursday, will now be played on Friday, followed by the final ODI on Sunday.
• The upcoming Tri-Nation T20 Series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, will now be held entirely in Rawalpindi instead of being split between Rawalpindi and Lahore.
From Lahore 2009 to Today’s Reality
The unease within the Sri Lankan camp was understandable. The 2009 terror attack on their team bus in Lahore, which injured several players and ended Pakistan’s ability to host international cricket for nearly a decade, remains a haunting memory.
Between 2009 and 2017, Pakistan played all their “home” games at neutral venues such as the UAE. It was Sri Lanka’s return in 2017 that signalled a gradual restoration of confidence, paving the way for other nations to follow.
It’s natural to have concerns: But we also know how much effort Pakistan has made to rebuild its image and ensure our safety. The security this time is second to none.
Pakistan currently lead the three-match ODI series 1–0 after a narrow six-run win in the opener, with both teams set to resume training in Rawalpindi on Wednesday evening.
Tri-Nation Series Rescheduled
Following discussions between PCB, SLC and Zimbabwe Cricket, the PCB announced a revised schedule for the T20I tri-series, now starting on 18 November at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Each team will play four matches, with the top two sides meeting in the final on 29 November. The tournament will serve as a key build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
The decision to revise the schedule was made in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket, following mutual discussions to accommodate operational and match requirements.
Afghanistan, originally part of the tri-series, withdrew following the Paktika airstrikes, which killed three local cricketers, leading to Zimbabwe’s inclusion.
Revised Tri-Series Schedule (All Matches in Rawalpindi):
• 18 November: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• 20 November: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• 22 November: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• 23 November: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• 25 November: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• 27 November: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• 29 November: Final
