In a dramatic development, the Sri Lanka national cricket team, currently in Pakistan for the ongoing ODI series, has reportedly requested to return home before completing the tour, citing security and scheduling concerns.
According to ARY News, Sri Lanka’s team management has conveyed their decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), requesting permission to wrap up the series early and fly back to Colombo.
Sources within the PCB confirmed that discussions are underway between officials of both boards to assess the situation and make a final call.
> “We are in contact with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board and their management. Player safety and comfort remain our top priorities,”
a PCB spokesperson told ARY News.
The Sri Lankan team had played two ODIs in Karachi and was scheduled to play the final match in Rawalpindi on November 14. Reports suggest that some team members expressed unease due to “logistical and personal” reasons following extended travel schedules.
While no official statement has yet been released by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), sources claim the board is considering the players’ request seriously.
If confirmed, this would mark the first mid-series withdrawal by an international team in Pakistan since 2019.
