The Sri Lanka cricket team has decided to continue its tour of Pakistan, bringing relief to both boards after brief uncertainty following a suicide bombing in Islamabad earlier this week. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the remaining fixtures would proceed under a revised schedule, with enhanced security arrangements in place.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced late Wednesday that the remaining One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the entire T20I Tri-Nation Series — featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe — have been shifted from Lahore to Rawalpindi. The second and third ODIs will now take place on November 14 and 16, while the tri-nation tournament will begin on November 18 and conclude with the final on November 29 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The decision followed mutual discussions between the PCB, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), and Zimbabwe Cricket, prioritizing player safety and operational requirements. Tickets purchased for earlier fixtures will remain valid for the new dates, the PCB confirmed.
Earlier reports suggested that several Sri Lankan players had expressed concerns and requested to return home after the Islamabad incident. However, Sri Lankan Team Manager Mahinda Halangode dismissed these claims, saying, “None are returning.”
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral (Retd.) Fred Siriweera to review the security plan. The high commissioner expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s arrangements, emphasizing that the team is being treated as “state guests.”
The SLC, in its official statement, confirmed that players had raised safety concerns but had been assured of full cooperation from Pakistan. The board instructed all players and staff to continue with the tour, noting that replacements would be sent if any member chose to leave.
The PCB stated that the tri-nation series would serve as vital preparation for teams ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and reaffirmed its commitment to providing top-level security and hosting safe international cricket events.
Revised Tri-Nation Series Schedule (All Matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium):
- Nov 18: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
- Nov 20: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
- Nov 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
- Nov 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
- Nov 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
- Nov 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
- Nov 29: Final
