Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has instructed its players to remain in Pakistan amid safety concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad, warning that anyone returning home early could face a formal review by the board.

The decision comes after several squad members reportedly expressed fears for their safety following Tuesday’s attack near a court building in Islamabad, which killed 12 people and wounded 27.

SLC Directs Team to Continue Pakistan Tour

In a statement on Wednesday, SLC emphasized that the team must continue the ongoing tour as scheduled, despite an unspecified number of players requesting to leave.

“If any player, players, or member of the support staff return despite SLC’s directives, a formal review will be conducted … and an appropriate decision will be made,” the cricket board said.

SLC also confirmed that replacements would be sent if needed to ensure the tour proceeds without interruption.

Pakistan Cricket Board Responds

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed adjustments to the series schedule: the second one-day international (ODI), originally set for Thursday, has been postponed by one day, while the third ODI will now take place on Sunday instead of Saturday, with both matches held in Rawalpindi.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan team for continuing their tour:

“The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright,” he wrote on social media.

Historical Security Concerns

Security concerns are not new for the Sri Lankan team in Pakistan. In March 2009, six players were wounded when gunmen opened fire on their team bus en route to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a Test match. This attack led to nearly a decade-long absence of international teams from Pakistan.

Despite the recent bombing, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening ODI in Rawalpindi, which went ahead as scheduled. Following the attack, the PCB tightened security measures around the visiting squad.

Future Fixtures and Safety Assurance

Naqvi personally met with the Sri Lankan players at their Islamabad hotel to assure them of their safety, according to Pakistani officials.

Sri Lanka is set to play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan, followed by a T20 tri-series with Pakistan and Zimbabwe from November 17–29, 2025.

The SLC directive underscores the delicate balance between player safety and the continuation of international cricket in Pakistan, which has faced significant challenges due to past attacks.