Due to security concerns, at least eight Sri Lankan cricketers will return home without participating in their tri-nation series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe, as confirmed by a Sri Lankan official on Wednesday.
The players are worried about their safety after a suicide bombing in Pakistan’s capital on Tuesday, which resulted in 12 deaths and 27 injuries near a court.
“The second ODI against Pakistan tomorrow is uncertain, but replacement players will be dispatched to continue the series,” a source from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) informed AFP.
SLC president Shammi Silva mentioned they are preparing an official statement regarding their ongoing participation in the tournament, without sharing further details.
In March 2009, six Sri Lankan players were injured when gunmen attacked their team bus en route to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a Test match.
This led to international teams avoiding Pakistan for almost ten years.
Despite the attack in Islamabad, Pakistan won against Sri Lanka by six runs in the first ODI in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
Following the attack, the Pakistan Cricket Board increased security for the visiting team.
The remaining matches are slated for Thursday and Saturday, also in Rawalpindi.
