A tour on the brink after the Islamabad blast
Just hours before the first ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi, a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad claimed 12 lives and injured 36 others. Despite the incident, the match went ahead as planned — but the tour immediately came under threat, with reports emerging that several Sri Lankan players were considering returning home due to safety concerns. What followed was a high-level effort involving political, military, and cricket authorities to ensure the series could continue safely.
Behind the scenes, urgent diplomatic and security efforts were launched to salvage the series and reassure the touring side. Speaking on the Senate floor, Interior Minister and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi detailed how Pakistan’s military and political leadership moved swiftly to manage the crisis — including a pivotal role played by Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Field Marshal Munir’s direct diplomacy
According to Naqvi, it was Field Marshal Munir himself who helped convince Sri Lanka to proceed with the series.
“Our field marshal himself spoke to their defence minister, secretary and convinced them and assured them fully of [providing] security,” Naqvi said while speaking on the Senate floor.
After initial reports indicated some players wanted to return home, the Sri Lankan board and government engaged directly with the team. Naqvi acknowledged that the players were seriously shaken but commended their ultimate decision to continue.
“Our interaction with them began […] their board, players and everyone decided with great bravery to stay here,” he added.
Reassurances amid serious concern
Naqvi confirmed that the Sri Lankan squad had voiced multiple concerns after the bombing, which had occurred close to match day.
“They had many concerns, but we tried to allay all of those,” he said, noting that even Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had joined in the effort to persuade the team to stay.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) acknowledged in an official statement that some members of the squad had indeed expressed the desire to return home due to safety fears. But that was quickly followed by direct engagement from the board and cooperation with Pakistani authorities.
“Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party,” SLC said in a statement.
State-level security and a show of resolve
With the tour now back on track, Naqvi outlined the security measures that have been put in place — reflecting the sensitivity and seriousness of the situation.
“And now, the Pakistan Army, Rangers and Islamabad police together are managing their security, and we are providing them the same kind of protocol and security as they are our state guests,” he said.
The PCB has since postponed the remaining two ODIs by a day each — now scheduled for November 14 and 16 in Rawalpindi — and has moved the upcoming tri-nation T20I tournament involving Zimbabwe to the same city. Originally set to be played in Lahore, the series will now run from November 18 to 29 under enhanced security protocols.
Naqvi also confirmed that Zimbabwe’s squad had arrived as planned, and that coordination with all relevant stakeholders is ongoing to ensure player safety.
From diplomatic outreach to boots-on-ground protection, the efforts to keep the Sri Lanka tour alive underscore the growing complexity of cricket in volatile times — and the role of state institutions in keeping international sport going.
