Sri Lanka Cricket Team Raises Safety Concerns Amid Pakistan Tour

Concerns Over Safety During Pakistan Tour

Members of the Sri Lankan cricket team, currently in Pakistan for a three-match ODI series and a tri-nation series that includes Zimbabwe, have voiced serious safety concerns and requested to return home. This plea follows a tragic incident in Islamabad where a suicide bombing resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and injuries to 27 others, as reported by local media.

The Sri Lankan squad began their tour with a disappointing six-wicket defeat while chasing a target of 300 runs in Rawalpindi. The second ODI is scheduled for Thursday, and the T20I tri-nation series will commence on November 17.

Response from Sri Lanka Cricket

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) issued a statement acknowledging the players' concerns. They informed that the team management had communicated the players' requests for an early return due to safety issues.

In response, SLC assured the players that their concerns are being taken seriously and are being addressed in collaboration with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of all team members.

Directive to Proceed with the Tour

Despite the concerns, SLC has instructed all players, support staff, and management to continue with the tour as planned. The board emphasized that if any player or team member chooses to leave during the series, they will arrange for immediate replacements to maintain the tour's continuity.

Furthermore, SLC warned that any player or staff member who departs against the board's directive will face a formal review to evaluate their actions, leading to appropriate consequences.

Previous Challenges Faced During the Tour

The potential departure of players would mark another significant challenge for this tour, especially after the Afghanistan Cricket Board withdrew from the tri-nation series due to airstrikes in Paktika that resulted in the deaths of three local players. The ACB condemned the incident as a 'cowardly act' by the Pakistani regime. Zimbabwe has since been brought in as a replacement for the series.