The ongoing ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka faces uncertainty after a suicide bombing in Islamabad on Tuesday killed 12 people and injured 27 outside a court. Following the attack, eight Sri Lankan cricketers have raised safety concerns and requested their board to cancel the tour. Pakistan had taken a 1-0 lead with a six-run victory in the first ODI in Rawalpindi, which proceeded despite the attack in the twin city. The second match scheduled for Thursday, November 13, is now in doubt. Sri Lanka Cricket is attempting to send replacement players to continue the series and the tri-nation tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board has increased security around the visiting team. This incident recalls the March 2009 attack in Lahore when gunmen fired on the Sri Lankan team bus, leading to a decade-long international cricket isolation for Pakistan.
Security Concerns Disrupt Series After Capital Attack
The suicide bombing outside a court in Pakistan's capital has cast a shadow over the cricket series. Eight members of the Sri Lankan squad have expressed concerns about continuing the tour and approached their cricket board seeking cancellation. While the first ODI went ahead as planned, the second encounter now appears uncertain. Sri Lanka Cricket sources confirmed they are arranging substitute players to maintain participation in both the bilateral series and the tri-nation event. SLC president Shammi Silva indicated a formal statement regarding tournament participation was being prepared. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have strengthened security measures for the touring contingent following the deadly incident that claimed multiple lives.
Source: Link