ISLAMABAD(The COW News Digital) The Sri Lankan cricket team has confirmed that no players will return home during their ongoing tour of Pakistan, ensuring that both the remaining One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and the upcoming tri-nation series will proceed as scheduled.
Speaking to Geo News, the team manager stated that all Sri Lankan players will stay in Pakistan, dismissing earlier concerns that some squad members were considering leaving due to security issues. The reassurance follows efforts by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to address safety concerns and maintain the integrity of the tour.
PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with the Sri Lankan team and personally assured them of enhanced security measures for the duration of their stay. The board also coordinated with local authorities to ensure that the players’ safety and comfort were prioritized.
Earlier, reports indicated that several Sri Lankan players were reluctant to continue the tour, which had prompted urgent interventions by PCB officials to safeguard the remaining matches of the ODI series against Pakistan and the tri-nation tournament featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe.
The Sri Lankan Cricket Board confirmed that if any player were unable or unwilling to continue, replacement arrangements would be made. However, with the assurances provided by Chairman Naqvi and the PCB, the Sri Lankan squad has opted to remain in Pakistan, allowing both series to continue uninterrupted.
The remaining two ODIs between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to be played as planned, followed by the tri-nation series in Rawalpindi, where all three participating teams will compete. PCB officials emphasized that the successful continuation of the tour demonstrates the board’s commitment to hosting international cricket safely and effectively in Pakistan.
The decision by the Sri Lankan team brings relief to cricket fans and stakeholders, reinforcing Pakistan’s reputation as a secure destination for international cricket despite earlier concerns. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and have assured that all necessary precautions will remain in place throughout the series.
