The fragile return of international cricket to Pakistan has been rocked once again. Just days after the first ODI in Rawalpindi, a deadly suicide bombing in nearby Islamabad has triggered a crisis within the Sri Lankan camp. In a dramatic development, eight Sri Lanka cricketers have chosen to return home, citing grave security concerns—a move that now casts serious doubt over the rest of the tour, including the second ODI and the planned triangular series with Zimbabwe.
This isn’t just a scheduling hiccup; it’s a haunting echo of 2009, when a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore left players and staff traumatized and kept them away from Pakistan for over a decade. Now, history seems to be repeating itself, testing the resolve of players, boards, and the very future of cricket in the region.
Table of Contents
- The Islamabad Blast and Immediate Fallout
- Why Eight Sri Lanka Cricketers Chose to Leave
- The Lingering Shadow of the 2009 Lahore Attack
- Is the Second ODI Cancelled?
- What’s Next for the Tri-Series with Zimbabwe?
- PCB and SLC’s Emergency Measures
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Islamabad Blast and Immediate Fallout
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, a suicide bomber detonated explosives outside a court in Islamabad, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens more . The attack occurred just 30 kilometers from Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium, where Pakistan had narrowly defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in the first ODI the same day .
While the match concluded without incident, the proximity of the blast to the team’s base sent immediate shockwaves through the Sri Lankan contingent. Despite PCB’s assurances of “foolproof” security, several players reportedly felt unsafe and began contacting their families and the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board for evacuation options .
Why Eight Sri Lanka Cricketers Chose to Leave
According to multiple reports, a group of eight players—including key members of the squad—opted to fly back to Colombo on Wednesday, November 12 . Their decision was not taken lightly. These are seasoned professionals, but the psychological toll of being near a terror strike, combined with memories of past trauma, proved overwhelming.
Notably, this group has not been officially named, likely to avoid further panic or political fallout. However, their departure leaves the remaining squad severely depleted. With a full-strength XI now in question, Sri Lanka’s ability to field a competitive team for the second ODI—scheduled for November 14 in Rawalpindi—is hanging by a thread .
The Lingering Shadow of the 2009 Lahore Attack
Any discussion of Sri Lankan cricket in Pakistan is inseparable from the March 2009 ambush on their team bus en route to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Gunmen opened fire, injuring six players and a coach, and killing six Pakistani police officers and two civilians .
That attack didn’t just disrupt a Test match—it shattered trust. Sri Lanka did not return to Pakistan for international cricket until 2019, and even then, only for limited-overs matches. The current tour was seen as a step toward full normalization. But the Islamabad blast has reopened old wounds, reminding players that, despite enhanced security, the risk, however small, remains real.
Is the Second ODI Cancelled?
As of Thursday, November 13, 2025, the status of the second ODI is officially “in doubt” . The PCB is in emergency talks with SLC to determine whether the series can continue with a patched-together squad or if replacements will be flown in from Sri Lanka.
Possible scenarios include:
- Postponement: Rescheduling the match for a later date in the tour.
- Replacement players: Rushing in reserves from Colombo to complete the series.
- Abandonment: Calling off the remaining ODIs and shifting focus to the T20Is or tri-series.
However, logistics are tight, and time is running out. The triangular ODI series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe is slated to begin shortly after, adding further pressure on both boards to find a resolution quickly.
What’s Next for the Tri-Series with Zimbabwe?
The uncertainty doesn’t end with the bilateral ODIs. A tri-nation series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe was scheduled as the next phase of the tour . Zimbabwe’s team is already in the country, preparing for their fixtures.
If Sri Lanka cannot field a viable squad, the PCB may be forced to restructure the tournament—possibly turning it into a bilateral ODI series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Such a move would be a major financial and reputational blow, not just for Pakistan but for the global cricket calendar.
PCB and SLC’s Emergency Measures
In response, the PCB has doubled down on its security promises, deploying additional armed personnel around team hotels and stadiums. SLC, meanwhile, is walking a tightrope—balancing player welfare with its commitment to international cricket solidarity.
For context, international teams like Australia and England have toured Pakistan in recent years with no major security incidents, a point the PCB is emphasizing . You can read more about Pakistan’s current security protocols for cricket on the ICC’s official site. Meanwhile, fans can track real-time updates on our [INTERNAL_LINK:Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2025] page.
Conclusion
The departure of eight Sri Lanka cricketers from Pakistan is more than a logistical headache—it’s a stark reminder of the complex intersection between sport, geopolitics, and human safety. While the PCB and SLC scramble for solutions, the cricketing world watches anxiously. Will the second ODI go ahead? Will the tri-series survive? The answers will shape not just this tour, but the future of international cricket’s presence in Pakistan for years to come.
Sources
- Times of India. “Islamabad blast: Eight SL cricketers return from Pak; second ODI in doubt.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…
- Multiple media reports from November 12–13, 2025, citing player exodus and series uncertainty [[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]].
- Historical records of the 2009 Lahore attack from ESPNcricinfo and ICC archives .
- PCB statements and international team tour records [[8], [9]].