Reports: Sri Lankan players return home midway through Pakistan tour citing security concerns

The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was intriguingly set up, with the Men in Green taking a 1-0 lead after their thrilling six-run victory in the first encounter in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. However, the last two games in the series have reportedly been affected by Tuesday's suicide bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital. The shocking incident saw 12 people lose their lives, while 27 were found wounded outside a court.

According to a report from NDTV Sports, eight Sri Lankan cricketers, who are in Pakistan, have expressed safety concerns. They have apparently requested Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to cancel the tour. Incidentally, the first ODI went on despite the suicide attack in the twin city of Islamabad. The second ODI, however, has now been put in jeopardy after the recent turn of events. It is scheduled to be played on Thursday, November 13, in Rawalpindi, but with the reports which have recently emerged, there seems to be a very high probability of the encounter being scrapped.

However, according to SLC sources, the board is trying to fly in players as replacements to carry on with the series. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said security around the touring contingent had been increased in the aftermath of the attack.

“The second ODI against Pakistan tomorrow is in doubt, but substitute players will be sent to continue the tri-nation series,” an SLC source told  AFP.

SLC president Shammi Silva said that they were preparing a formal statement about continuing their participation in the tournament. He gave no further details.

Almost 17 years ago, six Sri Lankan players were wounded in March 2009 when gunmen opened fire on their team bus as it was taking them to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a Test match. The incident led to international teams staying away from Pakistan for nearly a decade. If the series comes to a halt after the terrifying turn of events in Islamabad, it won't be a great advertisement for cricket in Pakistan.