Lahore Qalandars laud Sri Lankan team’s decision to continue Pakistan tour

LAHORE: The Lahore Qalandars have warmly welcomed the Sri Lankan cricket team’s decision to continue their tour of Pakistan, describing it as a courageous stand in support of the sport and a powerful message against terrorism.

In a statement, the Qalandars thanked the Sri Lankan team for not postponing its tour, saying that by choosing to play in Pakistan, Sri Lanka has defeated terrorism and supported cricket.

Thankyou Sri Lanka Team for standing with cricket and defeating terrorism 🇵🇰 🤝 🇱🇰#FriendshipNotOut

— Lahore Qalandars (@lahoreqalandars) November 12, 2025

Former Pakistan cricketer Yasir Hameed also praised the decision, calling it a “great example for the game.” He said, “Sri Lanka has always stood by Pakistan, and once again they have shown true sportsmanship. Pakistan provides the best possible security arrangements for visiting teams.”

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar expressed similar sentiments, saying he was “grateful to the Sri Lankan cricket team for coming to Pakistan.” He added that Sri Lanka “has always supported Pakistan in promoting the game,” and commended their “best sportsmanship” in the face of adversity.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi earlier assured that comprehensive security arrangements had been made for the visitors. In a post on social media platform X, Naqvi thanked the Sri Lankan team for “continuing the tour of Pakistan,” calling it “a shining example of the true spirit of the game and solidarity.”

Grateful to the Sri Lankan team for their decision to continue the Pakistan tour 🇵🇰🇱🇰.
The spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity shines bright.
The ODI matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played on 14th and 16th November in Rawalpindi.#PakistanCricket #PAKvSL

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 12, 2025

The Pakistan-Sri Lanka ODI series will be held in Rawalpindi, with matches scheduled for November 14 and 16. The PCB confirmed a change in the series schedule, moving the second ODI to November 14 (originally set for November 13) and the third ODI to November 16 (previously November 15).

Tickets purchased for the earlier dates will remain valid, tickets for November 13 will now be accepted on November 14, while those for November 15 will be valid on November 16.

Officials and players alike have hailed the Sri Lankan team’s decision as a victory for cricket and friendship, declaring that “terrorism may bowl fast, but friendship and sportsmanship will never be out.”