Pakistan’s three match ODI series against Sri Lanka has been thrown into uncertainty after a deadly bomb blast in Islamabad killed 12 people on Tuesday, triggering major security concerns within the visiting camp. According to a media reports, eight Sri Lankan players are set to fly back home on Thursday as precautionary measures intensify.
The second ODI, scheduled for Thursday in Rawalpindi, has now been called off. Pakistan had earlier secured a narrow six run win in the opening match at the same venue. The Sri Lankan side was also expected to take part in a tri series featuring Pakistan and Zimbabwe, but replacements will now be sent for the departing players.
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Concerns stem from Rawalpindi’s close proximity to Islamabad, the site of the suicide bombing, which prompted an urgent security meeting involving Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Admiral (Retd.) Fred Seneviratne, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and senior Pakistani officials. While assurances were given, the players remained unconvinced.
The situation has revived memories of the 2009 Lahore attack, when the Sri Lankan team bus was ambushed, injuring key players and keeping international cricket away from Pakistan for more than a decade.
