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COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has instructed its players and support staff to continue the ongoing Pakistan tour, following several members of the touring squad’s expressed desire to return home due to safety concerns.
This comes after Sri Lankan players sought an early exit from the Pakistan tour due to security concerns.
Following the development, SLC stated that it had prioritized players’ safety and discussed the matter with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“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,” the statement read.
“In this context, SLC has instructed all players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tour as scheduled,” it added.
The board further clarified that any player or support staff choosing to return home would be replaced immediately to ensure the series proceeded without disruption.
“However, 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 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.”
Earlier today, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements after meeting with Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and PCB Chairman Naqvi met with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Rear Admiral (R) Fred Siriweera, and the team manager, assuring them of full-proof security throughout their stay.
For the unversed, Sri Lanka is currently touring Pakistan for a three-match ODI series and a T20I tri-series.
Pakistan leads the ODI series 1-0, with the remaining two ODIs to be scheduled on 13 and 15 November at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The ODI series will be followed by a T20I tri-series featuring Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
