According to a report by NDTV Sports, eight Sri Lankan cricketers, who are in Pakistan, have raised security concerns. They have apparently requested Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to cancel the tour. Incidentally, the first ODI went ahead despite the suicide bombing in the twin city of Islamabad. However, the second ODI has now been put in jeopardy after the recent turn of events. It is scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi on Thursday, November 13, but given the reports that have emerged recently, there seems a very good chance of the encounter being scrapped.
However, according to SLC sources, the board is trying to fly in players as replacements to continue the series. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said security had been increased around the touring contingent in the wake of the attack.
“The second ODI against Pakistan tomorrow is in doubt but replacement players will be sent to continue the three-nation series,” an SLC source told AFP.
SLC president Shammi Silva said they were preparing a formal statement on continuing their participation in the tournament. He did not provide further details.
Nearly seventeen years ago in March 2009, six Sri Lankan players were injured when gunmen opened fire on their team bus as it was taking them to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a Test match. The incident led to international teams staying away from Pakistan for almost a decade. If the series ends after the terrifying turn of events in Islamabad, it won’t be a great advertisement for cricket in Pakistan.
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