PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Meets Sri Lankan Team After Islamabad Blast, Assures Tight Security
Pakistan boosts security for Sri Lanka cricket tour after deadly Islamabad suicide blast.
Security in Pakistan has been heightened after a suicide bombing in Islamabad left 12 dead and dozens injured earlier this week. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with officials and players of the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team to reassure them of comprehensive security measures during their tour. The meeting took place amid renewed concerns over militant activity, as Pakistan once again accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of allowing its territory to be used by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for cross-border attacks.
Sources within the PCB confirmed that Naqvi visited the stadium to personally meet the Sri Lankan contingent and review security preparations. Drawing lessons from past incidents, the Pakistani administration has deployed the army and paramilitary rangers to guard stadiums, hotels, and transit routes connected to the tour. Information Minister Ata Tarar stated that swift action by security forces recently helped prevent a larger tragedy, referencing the foiled terror attempt at Wana Cadet College in northern Pakistan, where about 300 students were safely evacuated.
The suicide bombing near a judicial complex in Islamabad on Tuesday triggered nationwide security alerts, prompting intensified surveillance in major cities ahead of the international fixtures. Analysts say the government’s proactive engagement with the Sri Lankan team reflects Pakistan’s determination to prevent a repeat of the 2009 Lahore attack, where TTP militants ambushed the Sri Lankan team bus near the Gaddafi Stadium, leading to a decade-long suspension of international cricket in the country.
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The PCB remains particularly cautious following incidents in 2021 when New Zealand abruptly canceled its Rawalpindi series hours before the first match, citing credible terror threats. Since then, Pakistan has worked to rebuild its image as a safe destination for international cricket by coordinating closely with law enforcement agencies and foreign embassies to ensure the safety of visiting teams.
Sri Lanka, after completing its three-match One-Day International series in Rawalpindi, is scheduled to participate in a T20 triangular series featuring Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29. Officials have confirmed that additional security layers will remain in place throughout the tournament, both in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, to keep players and officials safe.
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