PCB Reschedules SL Series, Pledges 'State-Guest' Security to Quell Fears After Islamabad Blast

LAHORE/RAWALPINDI, Pakistan- The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced a revised schedule for the ongoing One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka and the upcoming T20I Tri-Nation Tournament, following security apprehensions sparked by a suicide bombing in Islamabad.

The decision to proceed with the series, which was made in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), reaffirms the commitment of all boards to continue international cricket in Pakistan, albeit under heightened security.

Revised ODI Schedule Confirmed

The PCB has issued new dates for the remaining two ODIs between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Both matches will be hosted at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (RCS).

Match	Previous Date	Revised Date	Venue
Second ODI	November 13	November 14, 2025	Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Third ODI	November 15	November 16, 2025	Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Pakistan currently leads the series 1-0, having defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening match on November 11.

T20I Tri-Nation Tournament Moves Exclusively to Rawalpindi

In a further operational change, the upcoming T20I Tri-Nation Tournament, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, will now be played entirely in Rawalpindi.

• Tournament Start: November 18, 2025
• Final: November 29, 2025

The PCB noted that this tri-series will serve as a crucial preparatory platform for the teams ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

High Security Pledged Amid Player Apprehensions

The rescheduling follows Tuesday’s suicide bombing at the District Judicial Complex in Islamabad, which killed at least 12 people. The proximity of the attack to the match venue in Rawalpindi (less than 20km) led to major concerns within the visiting Sri Lankan camp, with several players reportedly requesting to return home.

Despite these fears, PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has personally pledged "state-guest" level protection for the Sri Lankan team. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has also mandated that the tour must continue.

The updated, detailed fixtures for the T20I Tri-Nation Tournament are expected to be shared shortly on the PCB’s official platforms. (NewsCenter)