The tri-nation Twenty20 international series featuring hosts Pakistan, as well as Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, is to be played entirely in Rawalpindi from Tuesday next week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said yesterday, after this week’s suicide bombing in the capital, Islamabad.
The change came after at least eight Sri Lankan players asked to leave over security fears following Tuesday’s bombing that killed 12 people and wounded 27.
Their country’s cricket board issued a stern directive to the team to stay put or face consequences.
Photo: Reuters
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said the decision to stay was taken after “close consultations” with hosts Pakistan who had given security assurances.
“We lined up substitute players to be sent to continue with the tournament, but now that the squad has agreed to stay, we won’t be sending anyone,” an SLC official said.
The series, seen as key preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, had originally scheduled five matches in Lahore. It would follow Pakistan’s remaining two one-day international matches against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi today and on Sunday.
“Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi wrote on social media. “The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright.”
Pakistan had struggled to convince sports teams to visit the country after gunmen attacked a bus carrying touring Sri Lanka cricket players in Lahore in 2009.
At least six players were injured then, and visits by international teams came to a halt for nearly a decade as Pakistan played their “home” matches in the United Arab Emirates.
Pakistan on Tuesday beat Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening ODI in Rawalpindi, a game that went ahead despite the suicide attack.
The PCB said security around the visiting team had been tightened following the attack.
Naqvi on Wednesday met Sri Lankan players at their Islamabad hotel and assured them of their safety, Sri Lankan officials said, adding that the number of guards for the squad has been doubled.
The tournament will culminate with the final on Nov. 29.
