Sri Lankan Cricket Team Voices Safety Concerns After Islamabad Explosion

An explosion in Islamabad, resulting in 12 fatalities, has raised safety concerns among the Sri Lankan cricket team currently touring Pakistan. Despite apprehensions, Sri Lanka Cricket is in communication with Pakistani authorities to ensure robust security measures during the series.

Updated: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 22:32 [IST]

Following an explosion in Islamabad that claimed at least 12 lives, some members of the Sri Lankan cricket team touring Pakistan have voiced safety concerns. The blast occurred just a few kilometres from Rawalpindi, where the ongoing three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is being held.

Reports indicate that several players are uneasy about continuing the series. They have asked the board to consider pulling out of the tour due to the attack's proximity to their venue and memories of the 2009 Lahore bus attack, which injured several Sri Lankan players.

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Following an explosion near Rawalpindi, some Sri Lankan cricket players voiced safety concerns during their tour in Pakistan, raising the possibility of withdrawing from the ODI series due to the proximity of the blast and memories of prior attacks. However, the Sri Lankan Cricket board is in communication with the Pakistan Cricket Board and security agencies, which have assured robust security measures, influencing their decision to continue the tour.

Security Assurances Amid Concerns

Despite these apprehensions, top officials at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) seem inclined to proceed with the series as scheduled. The board has been in communication with both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and security agencies in Pakistan. These entities have assured SLC of robust security measures for the rest of the tour.

The incident has understandably stirred anxiety among players, given its closeness to their playing location. The memories of past attacks on cricketers in Pakistan add to their unease. However, SLC's confidence in security arrangements suggests they believe it is safe to continue.

The decision by SLC reflects a balance between player safety and commitments made for international cricket tours. While player safety remains paramount, assurances from Pakistani authorities appear to have influenced their stance on continuing with the matches.

The situation highlights ongoing challenges faced by international teams touring regions with security concerns. It underscores the importance of comprehensive security protocols and effective communication between cricket boards and local authorities.