Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has issued a statement addressing the tense situation that has emerged during the ongoing three-match One Day International (ODI) series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The uncertainty arose after several Sri Lankan players decided to return home following a suicide bomb attack in Islamabad, which occurred just minutes before the first ODI between the two countries was scheduled to begin.

In its statement issued today (12), SLC said that the team management had informed the board earlier this morning that a few players had requested to return to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns.

The board noted that it had immediately initiated discussions with the players to address their concerns. SLC further said that, in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities, it had received assurances that all necessary measures were in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every member of the Sri Lankan contingent.

Accordingly, SLC has instructed all players, support staff, and team management to continue the series as planned.

However, SLC warned that if any player or team member chooses to disregard these directives and return to Sri Lanka, replacement players will be promptly deployed to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the series.

The statement further added that any such decision to return home in defiance of the board’s instructions would lead to a formal inquiry and appropriate action.