Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has warned players and support staff of potential disciplinary action after several members of the team expressed a desire to return home from Pakistan, citing safety concerns. The situation arose following a suicide bombing in Islamabad, where the Sri Lankan team is currently staying. The incident took place on Tuesday. As per reports, a number of players and members of the support staff requested to leave the tour immediately.
In response, SLC issued a stern message, cautioning that anyone abandoning the tour could face “a formal review” of their conduct. The latest development has also disrupted the tour schedule. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the final two ODIs have been postponed by a day due to logistical complications.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the matches, originally set for November 13 and 15, will now be played on November 14 and 16. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket assured the players of heightened security.
“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was informed by the team management this morning that several members of the national team currently touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns. 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,” SLC stated in a media release.
“In this context, SLC has instructed all players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tour as scheduled. 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,” the statement added.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country's Interior Minister, assured the team of tight security as he met the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Islamabad on Wednesday.