Following the bomb blast in the capital, Islamabad, panic has gripped Pakistan. The Sri Lankan team is also terrified. A three-match ODI series is currently underway between the two teams. The second match of the prestigious series was scheduled to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 13th. However, the blast in Islamabad has left Sri Lankan cricketers fearful. Eight players have expressed security concerns and have appealed to the board to cancel the tour.
Sri Lanka Cricket Board threatens players?
Amid the ongoing turmoil, significant news has emerged. Several Sri Lankan cricketers who had decided to return home have reportedly been threatened by their own board. According to media reports, Sri Lanka Cricket has threatened players and support staff with a “formal review” if they abandon the Pakistan tour due to security concerns. According to Sri Lanka Cricket, the board has assured the players of their safety. Any player violating any guidelines during the tour will face serious consequences.
Board statement
Sri Lanka Cricket’s statement clearly stated, “If any player or support staff ignores SLC instructions and returns home, they will be formally reviewed. Appropriate action will be taken.”
TTP claimed responsibility
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the suicide attack in Islamabad. The TTP says it may carry out more such attacks in the future. This has created an atmosphere of panic across Pakistan, and players are also scared.
The Sri Lankan team, which went on a tour to Pakistan for the ODI and triangular T20 series, is in panic after the first ODI match here. 12 people were killed in a deadly bomb blast outside the Islamabad High Court in Islamabad on Tuesday. Since then, Sri Lankan players are worried about their safety in this country. Around 8 players have indicated to leave the tour midway. After this, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has warned the players that if they leave the tour without its consent, action will be taken against them.