COLOMBO – Sri Lanka’s cricket board said Wednesday it had received warningsits national team could be the target of a terror attack during an upcomingtour of Pakistan.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister’s Office had received “reliable information of apossible terrorist threat” against the national squad ahead of thesix-match limited overs tour, the board said.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) stopped short of calling off the tour, but said areassessment of the security situation would be sought from Sri Lankangovernment authorities.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it was not aware of any informationrelating to the safety of the Sri Lankan team, but reiterated itscommittment to provide security.
“We have seen the SLC statement, but are not privy to any information orintelligence report relating to safety of the SL team,” the PCB said onTwitter.
“The PCB reiterates its commitment to provide complete safety and securityto the SL side and in this relation will continue to work with the SLC.”
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The Sri Lanka team was the target of an attack during a Test match inPakistan’s Lahore in March 2009. Six Sri Lankan players were injured whengunmen attacked their bus. Six Pakistan policemen and two civilians werekilled.
Ten senior players have already opted out of the tour citing securityconcerns.
Sri Lanka played one T20 match against Pakistan at Lahore in October 2017.
The latest statement from Sri Lanka Cricket came a short while after theboard announced two squads for the three One-Day Internationals and thethree T20 matches starting September 27. -APP/AFP
