Sri Lanka’s cricket team reversed its initial decision to end its Pakistan tour early after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured of full security arrangements for visiting international players.
Media reports indicated that concerns arose within the Sri Lankan camp regarding security arrangements, prompting players and management to demand that they cut short the tour and return home immediately.
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As soon as these events unfolded, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held an emergency meeting with Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner and team management, during which he personally guaranteed foolproof security for their squad.
Mohsin Naqvi asserted during this meeting that security for visiting cricket teams from foreign nations remains of top importance to the Pakistani government and law enforcement authorities.
Media reports have confirmed that after receiving written and verbal assurances, the Sri Lankan team management agreed to continue the tour after being satisfied with revised safety measures and coordination plans.
READ: Mohsin Naqvi meets Sri Lankan High Commissioner, reviews team security
Reports indicate that the Sri Lankan Cricket Board instructed its players to complete the Pakistan tour as planned; any who returns early could face up to a two-year suspension from international play.
Tomorrow will mark the second One-Day International (ODI) between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with enhanced security measures in place.
Following the completion of an ODI series, a tri-nation tournament between Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe is set to commence later this month with matches expected to be hosted in Rawalpindi and Karachi.
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Officials from both cricket boards reaffirmed their shared commitment to building strong sporting ties, noting how international cricket in Pakistan has seen significant improvements in terms of safety, facilities, and organizational standards.
According to the news agency AFP, at least eight Sri Lankan cricketers will return home. The second ODI against Pakistan tomorrow is in doubt, but substitute players will be sent to continue the tri-nation series.
