ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi revealed on Thursday that Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir personally intervened to ensure the Sri Lankan cricket team continued its tour of Pakistan following Tuesday’s suicide bombing in Islamabad. The attack killed 12 people and injured 36, raising serious safety concerns for the visiting team.
Naqvi, who also serves as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, said the Sri Lankan players initially considered leaving the country after the blast. “Our interaction with them began […] their board, players and everyone decided with great bravery to stay here,” he stated, adding that the team’s concerns were addressed through coordinated efforts with Pakistani authorities.
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The interior minister highlighted that Field Marshal Munir spoke with Sri Lanka’s defence officials to provide full assurances of security. “The Pakistan Army, Rangers, and Islamabad police together are managing their security, and we are providing them the same protocol as state guests,” Naqvi said.
In addition, Naqvi noted that the Zimbabwe cricket team has arrived in Pakistan, and the remaining matches will take place in Rawalpindi. The PCB rescheduled the last two ODIs to November 14 and 16 and moved the T20 tri-nation tournament from Lahore to Rawalpindi, ensuring continuity of the cricket calendar.
Read More: Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan to continue, matches rescheduled to Rawalpindi
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that any player wishing to return home would be replaced immediately to maintain uninterrupted play. The Sri Lankan high commissioner expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements, reflecting confidence in the protective measures put in place.