NEW DELHI: Sri Lankan players currently touring Pakistan for a three-match ODI series are reportedly considering returning home over security concerns following a deadly suicide attack in Islamabad. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the series will continue, albeit with a revised schedule.

The two teams were scheduled to face off in the second ODI of the series in Rawalpindi on Thursday, but that match has now been postponed to Friday. Meanwhile, the third ODI has been rescheduled from November 15 to 16 at the same venue.

Sri Lanka has brought a 16-member squad for the tour, and reliable sources indicate that at least eight players are seeking to head back to Colombo.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has acknowledged the request but clarified that it has instructed both the players and the accompanying support staff to continue with the tour as planned.

"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, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being addressed in close consultation with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party," the statement read.

Pakistan had won the first ODI by six runs at the same venue on Tuesday.

The Sri Lankan team is also scheduled to participate in a triangular series involving the hosts and Zimbabwe after the three ODIs.

"Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour. The ODI matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played on 14th and 16th November in Rawalpindi," Naqvi posted on X.

SLC added that replacements will be sent for players who insist on returning home.

"...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," the board stated.

"If any player, players, or support staff return despite SLC's directive, a formal review will be conducted to assess their actions, and appropriate decisions will follow," it added, sparking speculation over potential disciplinary action.

Sources from the PCB confirmed the concerns of the touring players.

"It is a difficult situation for Pakistan cricket because the players were given the choice to either complete the tour or return home by the Sri Lankan board after the Sri Lankan High Commissioner met the PCB Chairman, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other government officials for a security briefing," a source familiar with the developments said.

Sources in SLC also highlighted that players are particularly anxious due to Rawalpindi's proximity to Islamabad.

A suicide bomber killed at least 12 people outside a judicial complex in the Pakistani capital, sending shockwaves through Rawalpindi, where the teams had played the first ODI on the same day.

Four years ago, the New Zealand team abruptly left Rawalpindi without playing a white-ball series after receiving security threats.

Security beefed up

Security arrangements have been strengthened for the Sri Lankans following the terror attacks in Islamabad and Wana, with the island nation's High Commissioner reassured that the touring team is being treated as "state guests".

The issue was discussed during a meeting between the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Admiral (retired) Fred Seneviratne, Naqvi, and other Pakistani officials in Islamabad.

Sources stated that Naqvi also met the Sri Lankan team officials and assured them of fool-proof security measures.

"Security has been enhanced with personnel from the Pakistan Army and paramilitary Rangers now deployed to monitor the visiting players and officials," the source added.

The article recalled the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team bus in Lahore, where gunmen targeted the team on its way to Gaddafi Stadium for the second Test. Several players, including Ajantha Mendis, Chaminda Vaas, and captain Mahela Jayawardene, were injured, while Pakistani security personnel were killed.

Following that attack, foreign teams avoided touring Pakistan for over a decade, forcing the country to host home matches in neutral venues in the UAE and Dubai.

Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan in December 2019 marked a significant step in bringing international cricket back to the country.

(With PTI Inputs)