Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that the ongoing tour of Pakistan will proceed as planned, dismissing all the speculations about the growing safety concerns in the country after Islamabad blast. The deadly bombing claimed 12 lives and left 27 people injured.
The SLC released an official statement and reaffirmed that the players, coaching staff and all the officials should remain in Pakistan until the tour ends.
“Sri Lanka Cricket 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,” the statement read. “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.”
“…should any player or member of the touring party decide to return to Sri Lanka despite the directive issued by SLC to continue with the tour, Sri Lanka Cricket will immediately send replacements to ensure that the tour continues without interruption. 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: Tour of Pakistan continues as planned. Players raising safety concerns assured of full protection with PCB & authorities. Replacements ready if anyone leaves. No disruptions. #SLvPAK #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Srb2Aawz4X
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) November 12, 2025
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The board has cautioned that all the players who are choosing to return back home will face a “formal review” as they land in Sri Lanka. SLC has also noted that standby players have been alerted and should be ready for national duty if the players back out.
After the blast, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also increased the security arrangements for the visiting side. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi personally went to meet the Sri Lanka team at their hotel in Islamabad and assured them their safety will never be compromised.
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The PCB has since adjusted the schedule for the remaining fixtures: the second ODI will now take place on Friday, followed by the final game on Sunday, both at Rawalpindi.
