ISLAMABAD: Sri Lanka cricket team will continue its ongoing tour of Pakistan following Tuesday’s deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Thursday. The tour had faced uncertainty after reports suggested some players were considering returning home due to safety concerns.
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Speaking in the Senate, Naqvi revealed that Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir personally facilitated talks with Sri Lanka, including conversations with the visiting team’s defence minister and secretary, to ensure the team felt secure. “Our field marshal himself spoke to their defence minister, secretary and convinced them and assured them fully of [providing] security,” Naqvi said.
Naqvi added that the team initially decided to return home following the blast, which killed 12 people and injured 36, but later reconsidered after discussions involving Pakistan and Sri Lankan officials. “Their board, players and everyone decided with great bravery to stay here,” he said, adding that Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also communicated with the team to address their concerns.
The minister emphasized that Pakistan’s Army, Rangers, and Islamabad police are managing the team’s security, providing the same protocols as for state guests. He also noted that the Zimbabwe cricket team has already arrived in Pakistan, and all remaining matches will be played in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) acknowledged that several players had initially requested to return home due to safety concerns. The board reassured that their concerns were being addressed in coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities. SLC further stated that replacements would be sent if any member of the touring party opted to leave, ensuring uninterrupted matches.
As a result of these developments, the PCB rescheduled the remaining ODIs for November 14 and 16, shifting both games by one day. Additionally, a T20I tri-nation tournament, including Zimbabwe, has been moved from Lahore to Rawalpindi, with matches scheduled from November 18 to 29.
Following the blast, Naqvi, Islamabad Chief Commissioner, and the Islamabad Police Chief met with Sri Lanka’s envoy, retired Rear Admiral Fred Seneviratne, to assure him of comprehensive security measures for the visiting team. The high commissioner expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.
Naqvi credited the swift coordination between Pakistan and Sri Lankan authorities and the leadership of Field Marshal Munir for preventing a crisis and enabling the continuation of international cricket in the country despite the tragic incident. The decision underscores Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety of foreign players and maintaining the integrity of its cricketing calendar.
