The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board on Wednesday confirmed that the ongoing Pakistan tour will continue as scheduled after several players expressed desire to return home over security concerns.

In a statement, the SLC clarified that if any player wants to return to Sri Lanka despite the assurance, he will be replaced in a bid to ensure the continuation of the ongoing series without interruption, but the player would have to undergo a formal assessment by the cricket board over his actions.

The statement comes after at least eight Sri Lankan cricketers expressed reluctance to continue playing the ongoing three-match ODI series, followed by a T20I tri-series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe, due to security concerns, a Sri Lankan official told AFP.

The players have expressed fears for their safety following Tuesday’s suicide bombing in Islamabad, which killed 12 and wounded 27 outside a court. The victims included lawyers and petitioners who came to the court.

The Sri Lankan cricket board, in the statement, said the team management had informed the board earlier in the day that some members of the national squad had requested to leave Pakistan.

The board said it had immediately engaged with the players, assuring them that all safety concerns were being addressed in close coordination with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and relevant authorities.

The board directed all players, support staff, and team management to remain in Pakistan and proceed with the tour as planned.

However, SLC clarified that if any player or team member still chose to return home, replacements would be sent promptly to ensure the series continues without disruption.

The cricket board also warned that any player or staff member who defies the directive would face a formal review after the tour’s conclusion, with disciplinary action to be decided accordingly.

Following the reservations expressed by the Sri Lankan cricketer, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said security around the visiting team had been increased following the attack.

To addresses the concerns, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Interior Minister, is meeting the Sri Lankan team to brief them about the security arrangements in place, sources revealed.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening one-day international in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, a game that went ahead despite the suicide attack in the twin city of Islamabad.

The remaining matches are scheduled to take place on Thursday and Saturday, also in Rawalpindi.

PCB chief meets Sri Lankan envoy

The development came hours after the Sri Lankan High Commissioner expressed satisfaction over the security of its national men’s team following a meeting with Naqvi in Islamabad.

The satisfaction was expressed during his meeting with Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the cricket board said in a statement on Wednesday.

Both team managers, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, the Islamabad chief commissioner and the Islamabad police chief were also present on the occasion, according to the statement.

‎During the meeting, the chief commissioner and the IGP Islamabad gave a detailed briefing on the security being provided to the Sri Lankan team.

Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said that the players of the Sri Lankan cricket team are “our state guests and all necessary measures have been ensured for their foolproof security.”

He emphasised that providing a safe environment to the visiting players is the top priority of the government.

The Sri Lankan high commissioner, in response, expressed solidarity with the government over the attack and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements made for the team.

The new romantic comedy “Eternity” stars Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Miles Teller. Teller plays Larry, who dies unexpectedly and learns about a big decision from his afterlife coordinator, played by Randolph. The two talk about working together, the personal relationships that inspired them for this film and what they want the audience to take away.

A large number of people are wondering why Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian have deleted their photos with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from their social media accounts.

The photos were taken at the 70th star-studded birthday party of Kris Jenner where many other celebrities were also invited.

While the internet is flooded with all kind of conspiracy theories, it’s been learned that Harry and Meghan were the ones who requested their friends to remove their pictures from social media.

Sources said it was Harry who convinced Meghan to talk to Kris Jenner and her celebrity daughter, Kim Kardashian.

By getting their photos removed, the royal couple have not only set an example for the future events, but have also sent a message to the US celebrities that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will always abide by the rules that govern the British royal family.   

For those unaware, the royal family follows very strict rules about physical contact and etiquette in official hearings. 

According to these royals, contact must be initiated by the most senior member present. 

No guest can informally touch, hug or greet them  unless they explicitly allows it.

The right greeting is a short handshake if they offer it.

Hugs, slaps or kisses are considered gestures too personal for protocol context.

Although the rules outlined above are for the official occasions featuring royal family members, there can be more relaxed moments where they can be seen hugging and kissing guests. 

While Harry and Meghan may have their own reasons to ask for the removal of their pictures from social media— because they were not by any means at a royal event— their friends will hopefully understand that the kind of distance the couple seek is to maintain institutional respect.

Royal fans are hoping that US celebrities, before they invite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to a party, watch a video of the infamous moment between the late Queen Elizabeth and Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.

In the viral clip Chavez is seen trying to greet the Queen, Harry’s grandmother, with a hug during a G20 summit in 2010.

However, the late president was sidestepped by the Queen who kept smiling as he held his arms open, waiting for her to respond.