RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the touring Sri Lankan cricket team on Thursday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and reviewed the security arrangements put in place for the ongoing series.
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Fred Sri Weeratne and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry were also present during the visit.
Naqvi inspected the security protocols, met the officers on duty, and urged all law enforcement personnel to carry out their responsibilities with full dedication and commitment.
He also interacted with the Sri Lankan players during their practice session and personally thanked them for continuing their tour of Pakistan.
“Your security is our responsibility. Your continued visit is a victory for peace and a defeat for terrorism,” Naqvi stated.
He added that the people of Pakistan deeply value Sri Lanka’s sincerity and contributions to strengthening bilateral relations.
High Commissioner Weeratne expressed his views as well, describing Pakistan as his second home and stating that the Sri Lankan delegation is fully satisfied with the security arrangements.
Top officials including the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, Commissioner of Rawalpindi, IG Islamabad Police, and senior officers from law enforcement agencies were also present at the occasion.
Notably, uncertainty had surrounded the tour after reports emerged that some Sri Lankan players were seeking an early return due to safety concerns. However, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) assured its players that strict and comprehensive security measures were being implemented in close coordination with the PCB and local authorities.
Due to the situation, the second ODI — originally scheduled for Thursday, 13 November — has been moved to Friday, 14 November, while the final match will now take place on Sunday, 16 November.
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