KEY POINTS
- The PCB affirmed the series would continue with a revised schedule.
- Former and current Pakistani cricketers expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani cricketers have expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the visiting Sri Lankan team for deciding to continue their tour of Pakistan after a deadly suicide attack in Islamabad.
After the terrorist attack outside a judicial complex, the Sri Lankan cricket board took immediate action and assured its cricketers that all necessary security measures were being enforced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in close coordination with the country’s law enforcement agencies.
Former Pakistani cricketers lauded Sri Lanka’s decision to continue the tour. Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar took to X to express his appreciation: “Thank you Sri Lanka Team for standing with cricket and defeating terrorism.”
Fellow fast bowler Tanveer Ahmed also extended his gratitude, writing, “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 stated, “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!”
Players express gratitude
Current Pakistan cricketers also voiced their appreciation. Test captain Shan Masood posted on X, saying: “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 also expressed thanks to the Sri Lankan board and players, urging fans to show their support by filling the stadiums for the remaining ODIs. He said, “This is a critical time for us, and we appreciate the Sri Lankan team for being there with us.”
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf’s calls to action
ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi joined his teammates in thanking the Sri Lankan contingent for their decision to continue the tour.
He called on fans to attend the remaining fixtures on November 14 and 16 in large numbers to show their support for the game.
Haris Rauf also emphasized that Sri Lanka’s decision was a victory for cricket itself, highlighting the importance of such gestures in preserving the spirit of the game.
Revised ODI schedule
The second ODI, originally scheduled for Thursday, November 13, has now been rescheduled for Friday, November 14, with the final fixture to take place on Sunday, November 16.
The rescheduling comes after a series of discussions between the PCB and SLC, ensuring the safe continuation of the series.
