Islamabad – Pakistan has deployed army and paramilitary forces to provide heightened security to the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team following a recent blast in Islamabad that raised serious safety concerns among players. The decision was confirmed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who said the government is taking “extraordinary measures” to ensure the team’s protection.
According to officials, several Sri Lankan players had expressed reservations about continuing the tour after the explosion near a high-security area. In response, Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership personally intervened to reassure the visitors. Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Army Chief, played a key role in persuading the Sri Lankan authorities and players that Pakistan would offer “foolproof security.”
The enhanced security plan now includes the deployment of Pakistan Army, Rangers, and Islamabad Police, along with specialized units trained in counterterrorism. The Sri Lankan squad is being treated as state guests, with strict movement protocols, armored transportation, and round-the-clock surveillance.
In addition to the security overhaul, the remaining fixtures of the tour have been slightly adjusted, while all matches will proceed as scheduled under reinforced arrangements.
The measures come as Pakistan remains highly sensitive to cricket-related security concerns, especially following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore. Officials say the current steps reflect Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring that international cricket continues uninterrupted on home soil.
