A horrific bomb blast in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, has cast a shadow over the ongoing Sri Lanka-Pakistan ODI series in the country. Following the blast, which killed 12 people and injured many others, Sri Lankan players have expressed serious concerns about their safety.
SPORTS NEWS: Some players of the Sri Lankan cricket team, currently on a tour of Pakistan for an ODI series, have expressed serious concerns about their safety following the deadly bomb blast in Islamabad. According to sources, the players have requested the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board to cancel the tour or recall the team. It is understood that Rawalpindi, where the three-match ODI series is scheduled to be played, is located near Islamabad, which has further escalated the players' worries. The blast resulted in 12 deaths, and subsequently, the team management and security agencies are closely monitoring the situation.
The Sri Lankan team is currently on a three-match ODI series tour in Pakistan. This series is being hosted in Rawalpindi, which is located very close to Islamabad. Consequently, the bomb blast has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity within the team. Sources indicated that some senior players of the team have stated they "do not feel safe in Pakistan." They want the Sri Lankan board to re-evaluate the situation. The players believe that playing cricket under the current security conditions could be risky.
Sri Lanka Cricket Board's Stance
However, high-ranking officials of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have indicated that no decision has been made to cancel the series at present. The board intends for the series to continue as per the scheduled program. An official stated, "We are in constant contact with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and security agencies. Security arrangements are being reviewed, and we will ensure that there is no threat to the players."
The first ODI between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was played on Tuesday in Rawalpindi, which the host team won by 6 runs. The second match is scheduled for Thursday at the same venue, while the third encounter is to be played on Sunday.
The Horrific 2009 Attack is Still Fresh
The Sri Lankan team's security concerns are not unfounded. In 2009, the Sri Lankan team was subjected to a terrorist attack in Lahore while en route to play a Test match at Gaddafi Stadium. In this attack, several team players, including Mahela Jayawardene, Ajantha Mendis, and Chaminda Vaas, were injured, while several Pakistani security personnel were killed.
Following this attack, Pakistan faced a ban from international cricket for almost 10 years. Foreign teams refused to tour Pakistan due to security concerns.
