Pakistan has taken extraordinary security measures to protect the Sri Lanka cricket team after a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad created major concerns during their ongoing cricket tour. The government has officially deployed the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and Islamabad Police to ensure foolproof security for the visiting team.

Introduction: Pakistan Strengthens Security After Islamabad Bombing

During Sri Lanka’s 2025 cricket tour of Pakistan, a suicide bombing took place in Islamabad — the first major civilian attack in ten years. The shocking incident created immediate concerns for the Sri Lankan players and their cricket board.

Some Sri Lankan squad members reportedly asked to return home immediately. But after high-level contacts between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the tour continued.

Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi informed the Senate that the government had activated full-scale security operations to ensure the safety of the Sri Lankan team.

Army, Rangers & Police Take Over Security Duties

Pakistan Army Deployed

The Pakistan Army was placed in charge of external and internal security layers around the stadium, hotel, and key routes.

Rangers for Backup Security

Paramilitary Rangers were deployed as additional rapid-response units.

Islamabad Police for Close Protection

Islamabad police officers were assigned to escort duties, hotel protection, and stadium perimeter checks.

“State Guest” Security Protocol

Interior Minister Naqvi confirmed that the Sri Lankan team was being treated as state guests, receiving top-tier protection similar to presidential-level protocols.

Mohsin Naqvi Credits Field Marshal Asim Munir for Saving the Tour

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told the Senate that Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir played a crucial role in convincing Sri Lankan authorities to continue the tour.

Key Highlights of His Statement:

Field Marshal Munir personally spoke to the Sri Lankan Defence Minister, Defence Secretary, and other officials.
He gave full assurance of security and safety.
His engagement helped prevent the abrupt cancellation of the tour.

Naqvi said:

“Our Field Marshal himself spoke to their defence minister and assured them fully of providing security.”

This official acknowledgement shows that Pakistan’s military leadership played a central role in stabilizing the situation.

Why Sri Lanka Team Considered Returning Home? – Full Background

Google keywords: Sri Lanka cricket security Pakistan, Islamabad bombing Sri Lanka players, Sri Lanka wants to return home

After the Islamabad bombing:

Players felt unsafe staying in Pakistan

The explosion happened less than 10 km from the hotel and stadium where the Sri Lankan team was staying.

Immediate request made by several players

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board confirmed that some players asked to return to Colombo immediately.

First major attack in Islamabad in a decade

This added emotional and psychological pressure on the team.

Past history of attacks

Sri Lanka previously suffered a deadly attack on their cricket team in Lahore in 2009.
Even though Pakistan’s security has improved significantly, memories of that tragedy still influence Sri Lankan players.

How Pakistan Convinced Sri Lanka to Continue Playing?

Pakistan used:

1. High-level diplomatic contact

The President of Sri Lanka personally contacted the team to boost morale.

2. Military assurance

Field Marshal Asim Munir gave direct guarantees to Sri Lanka’s defence officials.

3. Government engagement

Interior Ministry and Defence Ministry coordinated rapid updates and briefings.

4. PCB leadership intervention

Mohsin Naqvi ensured the team that all security concerns would be addressed instantly.

5. Clear instructions from Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board told players that:

Security was foolproof
Pakistan’s authorities were fully capable
Returning home early would trigger a formal review for each player

Cricket Stadium & Hotel: High-Security Red Zone

Google keywords: Pakistan stadium security, Sri Lanka team hotel security

The Sri Lanka team’s hotel and the stadium are located within a short radius of the blast site, increasing sensitivity.

To manage this:

Area turned into a high-security red zone

Entry/exit points strictly monitored.

Snipers deployed on rooftops

To cover blind spots around the venue.

Bomb disposal clearance

All routes cleared daily before team movement.

Armour-plated buses

Standard protocol for international teams.

Traffic lockdown during team travel

Entire routes sealed for safe passage.

Sri Lanka Cricket Board’s Decision

On Wednesday, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board announced:

Players asked to return home

But the board instructed them to stay after receiving assurance from Pakistan.

Players returning early will face formal review

Their conduct will be evaluated.

Pakistan is providing “foolproof” security

The board expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s plan.

Pakistan Parliament Welcomes Sri Lanka’s Decision

In the National Assembly:

A resolution was presented by Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry
Pakistan formally thanked:
- President of Sri Lanka
- Sri Lankan Defence Minister
- Sri Lanka Cricket Board
- Visiting team
Parliament also praised:
- Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif
- Field Marshal Asim Munir
- Entire security apparatus

The resolution highlighted Sri Lanka’s friendship and trust in Pakistan.

Historical Context: International Cricket in Pakistan

Pakistan struggled for over a decade to bring back international cricket after the 2009 Lahore attack on the Sri Lankan team.

2019: Test cricket returns

Fittingly, Sri Lanka was the first team to return for Test cricket after 10 years.

2025 tour

A three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi
and a T20 tri-series involving Zimbabwe were scheduled.

This tour is considered crucial for Pakistan’s cricket revival image.

Why This Security Incident Matters for Pakistan Cricket

International perception

Any security threat can damage Pakistan’s efforts to revive global cricket.

Reputation of Islamabad as a safe city

A decade of peace was suddenly disturbed.

Economic impact

Sports tourism, broadcasting rights, hotel bookings—all depend on stable security.

Future tours

Australia, England, New Zealand, and Afghanistan may review their security plans.

Major Takeaways from the Incident

Pakistan responded immediately and aggressively to secure the tour.
Sri Lanka showed goodwill by continuing the series.
Army and Rangers deployment shows the seriousness of the threat.
Inter-government communication between Pakistan and Sri Lanka remained strong.
Cricket diplomacy played a major role.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why was the Army deployed for Sri Lanka’s security?

Because of a suicide bombing in Islamabad that posed a high-level threat to the visiting team.

2. Who convinced Sri Lanka to continue the tour?

Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with Pakistan’s government and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

3. Did Sri Lankan players want to return home?

Yes, several players asked to leave after the bombing.