Islamabad blast: Big crisis in Pakistan, Sri Lankan cricket team to abandon tournament

ISLAMABAD: The suicide bombing at a court in Pakistan has left the country in a cesspool of crises. The Sri Lankan cricket team, which is touring Pakistan, announced their decision to return home, abandoning the series and not playing the remaining matches. The blast took place in Islamabad while the first ODI was ongoing in Rawalpindi.

The blast took place 17 km from the Rawalpindi stadium where the match was held. The Sri Lankan team said they will not play in the second match tomorrow, despite the first match getting completed amid chaos. Both team did not train today. The players, who said they were unsafe in Pakistan and wanted to return home, are not playing in the second ODI match to be held in Rawalpindi tomorrow. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board requested the Sri Lankan Cricket Board not to cancel the tour.

Reports indicate that Sri Lankan players are under considerable mental pressure while playing in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Interior Minister and Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi started trying to persuade the Sri Lankan players. Although Naqvi promised to provide all kinds of security to the team, it is indicated that the Sri Lankan players have not given in yet. It is reported that Naqvi also met with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Pakistan, requesting that they not boycott the series.