(From left) This collage reveals Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, and ODI skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi. — Instagram
Pakistani cricketers expressed heartfelt gratitude to Sri Lanka for persevering with the ODI sequence as deliberate after Tuesday’s suicide assault in Islamabad.
“We are grateful to Sri Lanka and its cricket team, who remained standing with Pakistan and cricket in the difficult time,” mentioned captain Shaheen Shah Afridi in a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on X.
Furthermore, T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha mentioned: “Thanks, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), for understanding and staying on for the tour. We as a nation have already suffered and misplaced loads, and our Authorities, Safety Forces, PCB, and followers have made important sacrifices and efforts to host worldwide cricket at dwelling.”
He additionally urged followers to fill the stadium for the remaining ODIs.
The second ODI, initially scheduled for Thursday, November 13, has been rescheduled for Friday, November 14, with the ultimate fixture set for Sunday, November 16.
The SLC had clarified a day earlier that if any participant desires to return to Sri Lanka regardless of the peace of mind, he might be changed in a bid to make sure the continuation of the continuing sequence with out interruption, however the participant must endure a proper evaluation by the cricket board over his actions.
The assertion comes after fears arose after the suicide bombing in Islamabad killed 12 folks and wounded 27 exterior the district courtroom.
The SLC mentioned the staff administration had knowledgeable the board that some members of the nationwide squad had requested to depart Pakistan.
The board mentioned it had instantly engaged with the gamers, assuring them that every one security issues have been being addressed in shut coordination with the PCB and related authorities.
It directed all gamers, help employees, and staff administration to stay in Pakistan and proceed with the tour as deliberate.
Nonetheless, SLC clarified that if any participant or staff member nonetheless selected to return dwelling, replacements can be despatched promptly to make sure the sequence continues with out disruption.
The cricket board additionally warned that any participant or employees member who defies the directive would face a proper overview after the tour’s conclusion, with disciplinary motion to be determined accordingly.
