Pakistan players have expressed their gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the touring team for continuing their series in Pakistan despite earlier security concerns.
The series faced uncertainty after several Sri Lankan players reportedly requested to return home on November 12, a day after the first ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
In response, SLC reassured its players that all safety measures were in place in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities.
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The PCB also instructed the touring team and support staff to continue the series, clarifying that any player choosing to leave would be immediately replaced to ensure the tour continued without disruption.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar praised Sri Lanka’s decision, posting on X: “Thankyou Sri Lanka Team for standing with cricket and defeating terrorism.”
READ: Field Marshal Asim Munir convinced Sri Lanka to continue their tour: Naqvi
Former fast bowler Tanveer Ahmed also expressed his gratitude, saying: “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.”
A big thank you to Sri Lanka Cricket Board and the Sri Lankan team for standing by Pakistan when it mattered most.
— Tanveer Says (@ImTanveerA) November 12, 2025
True friendship reveals itself in testing times.#FriendshipNotOut
Former captain Ramiz Raja added: “After a turbulent day I am so pleased to know that 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 players also thanked the Sri Lankan team in a PCB video, saying that the Sri Lankan side has always supported cricket, and expressed gratitude for standing by Pakistan during difficult times.
Salman Ali Agha urged fans to come to the grounds and support cricket, while Shaheen Shah Afridi called on supporters to attend the remaining ODIs on November 14 and 16 in large numbers.
READ: Sri Lanka reverses decision to leave Pakistan tour after Naqvi’s assurance
“We thank the Sri Lankan board and players for standing by Pakistan during difficult times,” said Salman Ali Agha.
“Come to the stadium in large numbers,” ODI captain Shaheen Afridi encouraged fans.
While Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf said, “Sri Lanka will always be remembered in Pakistan’s cricket history.”
Spinner Abrar Ahmed added, “Sri Lanka’s decision is a victory for cricket. We appreciate the choice of the Sri Lankan cricketers.”
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Players further added that Sri Lanka’s decision will always be remembered in Pakistan’s cricket history and highlighted that the choice was a win for cricket itself.
Test captain Shan Masood also thanked Sri Lanka Cricket for understanding and staying for the tour, noting the sacrifices made by the Government, Security Forces, PCB, and fans to host international cricket at home.
Notably, the second ODI, originally scheduled for Thursday, November 13, has been rescheduled for Friday, November 14, with the final ODI set for Sunday, November 16.
