PAK vs SL – PCB Reschedules Sri Lanka ODI Series After Islamabad Blast: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced changes to the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka following the recent blast in Islamabad on Tuesday. Thursday’s match has been pushed to Friday, while Saturday’s game will now take place on Sunday.
All three ODIs were originally set to be played in Rawalpindi, and the T20I tri-series involving Zimbabwe was scheduled across Rawalpindi and Lahore. However, after the incident in the capital, officials decided to hold the entire series in Rawalpindi from November 20 to November 29.
Despite the tense situation, the first ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka went ahead as planned, with Pakistan clinching a narrow six-run win. The same day, a suicide attack in Islamabad claimed 12 lives near a court complex, prompting several Sri Lankan players to express their desire to return home.
In a statement on Wednesday, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed the players’ concerns. “Several members of the national team currently touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns,” the board said.
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PAK vs SL: SLC Issues Stern Warning to Players
Following the players’ request, officials from both the PCB and SLC met in Islamabad on Wednesday to discuss the situation. After the meeting, both boards assured that the Sri Lankan team’s safety remains a top priority.
SLC instructed all players and staff to stay in Pakistan for the rest of the series, adding that anyone who goes against this directive would face a formal review.
“Following this development, the SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close consultation with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party,” the statement said.
“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,” it added.
Meanwhile, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his appreciation to the Sri Lankan team for deciding to continue the tour despite the security concerns.
“Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour. The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright,” Naqvi said on social media.
Remembering the 2009 Attack
This situation has brought back difficult memories for many cricket fans. In 2009, the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked by terrorists on its way to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the second Test match. Several players, including Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, and Thilan Samaraweera, suffered minor injuries. Tragically, six security personnel and two civilians lost their lives.
That horrific incident forced Sri Lanka’s tour to be called off immediately and led to international cricket being suspended in Pakistan for nearly ten years.
With the 2024 tour continuing under tight security and cooperation between both boards, fans are hoping for safe and successful completion of the matches – and for the spirit of cricket to prevail once again.
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