Rawalpindi, November 13, 2025: Pakistan cricketers have expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the touring Sri Lankan team for continuing their series in Pakistan, despite reported security concerns that had threatened to disrupt the tour.
The series faced uncertainty on November 12, a day after the first ODI in Rawalpindi, when several Sri Lankan players reportedly requested to return home. In response, SLC reassured its players that all safety measures were being implemented in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities.
The PCB also instructed players and support staff to continue the tour, clarifying that any player opting to leave would be immediately replaced to ensure the series proceeded without interruption.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar praised Sri Lanka’s decision, posting on X, “Thank you Sri Lanka Team for standing with cricket and defeating terrorism.”
Former fast bowler Tanveer Ahmed added, “A big thank you to Sri Lanka Cricket Board and the Sri Lankan team for standing by Pakistan when it mattered most. True friendship reveals itself in testing times.”
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja also lauded the tour’s continuation, “After a turbulent day, I am so pleased to know that the Sri Lanka tour is on! A collective effort from all of us will help address such manic behaviour and brutality. A big thank you to the Sri Lankan Board, the players, and our Cricket Board for their efforts to ensure that cricket emerges as the true winner!”
Current Pakistan stars echoed the sentiment. Test captain Shan Masood wrote on X, “Thank you Sri Lanka Cricket for understanding and staying on for the tour. We as a nation have already suffered and lost a lot, and our Government, Security Forces, PCB, and fans have made significant sacrifices and efforts to host international cricket at home.”
Batsman Salman Ali Agha urged fans to support the remaining matches, saying, “A big thank you to the Sri Lankan board and players for supporting Pakistan during a difficult time. Let’s fill the stadium for the remaining ODIs.”
ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi requested fans to attend the fixtures on November 14 and 16 in large numbers, while Haris Rauf described Sri Lanka’s decision as a victory for cricket itself.
Meanwhile, the second ODI, originally set for Thursday, November 13, has been rescheduled to Friday, November 14, with the final ODI to be played on Sunday, November 16.
