SLC Warns Players of Strict Review If They Quit Pakistan Tour

Sri Lanka Cricket had warned its players and staff of disciplinary action for leaving the Pakistan tour following a deadly Islamabad blast.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has issued a strong warning to the men’s national team and support staff, stating that anyone leaving the ongoing Pakistan tour over security concerns will face “a formal review.” The warning came after several players requested to return home following the suicide bombing in Islamabad, the city where the team is currently staying. Families of players in Sri Lanka had also voiced serious concerns over their safety.

Late-night discussions were held on Wednesday involving players, team management, SLC officials, and Pakistan security authorities to decide the tour’s future. PCB chairperson and Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, personally visited the team hotel to reassure the Sri Lankan contingent about their safety. Senior officials from Pakistan’s security establishment also joined the meeting to emphasize that the protection measures were comprehensive and effective.

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With the discussions stretching late into the night and logistical issues emerging, the remaining two ODIs in the series were rescheduled. Naqvi announced that the matches, initially planned for November 13 and 15, would now be played on November 14 and 16. The first T20I of the upcoming tri-series, featuring Zimbabwe along with the two nations, is also expected to be delayed by a day.

Naqvi Assures Player Safety

SLC confirmed that it had instructed the team to continue with the tour as planned and assured the players of their safety. The board also made it clear that any member defying the directive would face consequences.

“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,” the board statement said.

Throughout the day, SLC remained firm despite repeated requests from players to fly back home. Sri Lanka has completed only one of the three scheduled ODIs and is also set to participate in a T20I tri-series immediately after. However, growing pressure from the players led to another round of internal discussions.

SLC mentioned that it moved swiftly to address safety concerns and ease player anxiety. “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.”

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Naqvi reportedly decided to meet the Sri Lankan players personally to reassure them about the arrangements and encourage them to continue the tour. Earlier in the day, he met the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan, Fred Siriweera. According to a PCB statement, a detailed briefing was provided on the security measures for the Sri Lankan team, and Siriweera expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

A tragic precedent looms large over this tour, as the Sri Lankan team had faced a terrorist attack in Lahore in 2009. Despite that history, Sri Lanka was among the first nations to resume international tours to Pakistan after the long break that followed.