Pakistan’s cricket fraternity has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lankan team and its board for continuing their white-ball tour despite heightened security concerns following a recent terrorist attack in Islamabad.
The tour briefly came under uncertainty after a suicide bombing in the federal capital killed 12 people earlier this week. Some Sri Lankan players reportedly raised concerns about safety and considered returning home. However, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed late Wednesday that the team would remain in Pakistan and complete the scheduled matches after receiving full security assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities.
The PCB, in a statement, praised the Sri Lankan board’s trust and solidarity, calling it “a testament to cricket’s spirit and friendship between the two nations.” Security has since been tightened, with Pakistan Army personnel deployed around the team hotels and stadiums in Rawalpindi.
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was among the first to thank Sri Lanka on social media, writing:
> “A big thank you to our Sri Lankan brothers for standing by Pakistan and by cricket. Terror can’t defeat our unity.”
Current Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi also appreciated the gesture, urging fans to “fill the stands and show the world that cricket in Pakistan is stronger than fear.”
The two remaining ODIs of the series will now be played on November 14 and 16 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, following a revised security plan.
Analysts believe Sri Lanka’s decision to stay sends a powerful message of resilience and mutual respect, reinforcing Pakistan’s efforts to restore its image as a safe venue for international cricket.
