A suicide bombing in Islamabad shook everyone. The first ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was scheduled to be held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, but the blast occurred just 17 kilometers from the stadium.
The match still took place, and Pakistan won by 6 runs. However, 16 Sri Lankan players subsequently decided to abandon the tour and return home.
This is a major embarrassment for PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
Security fears resurface
According to Pakistani media, “PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi personally met the Sri Lankan players and team management after the first ODI and assured full-proof security for the entire touring party.”
Naqvi personally met with the players and offered condolences, but to no avail. The Sri Lankan team was reminded of the horrific 2009 attack when their bus was attacked in Lahore, and the players were rescued by helicopter.
After that, no international cricket was played in Pakistan for 10 years. The PSL was also shifted to the UAE.
Now, practice sessions were cancelled before the second ODI. Reports emerged that most of the Sri Lankan players were unwilling to continue the tour. SLC and PCB officials held discussions for hours, but 16 players refused to budge.
Salman Ali Agha was awarded Man of the Match, his all-round performance helped Pakistan win.
But despite Haris Rauf’s four-wicket haul and Wanindu Hasaranga’s fighting batting, the future of the series is now uncertain.
Sri Lanka Board to send a new team
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board is now planning to send a second team to allow the remaining matches to be played.
But this will not be easy, as the returning players will inform others about Pakistan’s poor security. This further bleaks the future of international cricket in Pakistan.
This year, both the IPL and PSL were halted due to military clashes between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan also lost the Asia Cup 2025, and the Indian team did not collect the trophy.
“PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi was embarrassed by the Indian team as they refused to collect the trophy from him after winning the Asia Cup 2025.” Naqvi angrily left with the trophy.
An attempt was made to resolve the BCCI-PCB deadlock at the Dubai ICC meeting, but now this Sri Lankan issue is raising questions about Naqvi’s political position.
Pakistan enjoys presidential-level security, but attacks are still happening. Naseem Shah’s house was also destroyed by bombs and firing. Sri Lanka’s decision has dealt a new blow to the PCB.
