Pakistan has deployed both army and paramilitary forces to ensure the safety of Sri Lanka's cricket team following a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad that heightened security concerns during their ongoing tour. This announcement was made by the country's Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, on Thursday (Nov 13).

Army Chief Asim Munir assured Sri Lankan Defence Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon of the team's protection. Naqvi confirmed that the military and paramilitary forces are stationed to secure the team’s safety. Naqvi also mentioned that Sri Lankan players had raised significant concerns about remaining in Pakistan after the bombing, but these issues have been addressed. The Sri Lankan president personally reached out to the team to encourage them to continue playing.

The cricket stadium and the hotel where the team is staying are both located within 10 km of the bombing site. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board revealed on Wednesday that several players had requested to return home after the blast, which was the first major civilian attack in Islamabad in a decade. Despite the players’ concerns, the Board instructed the team to stay, reassured by Pakistan's “foolproof” security guarantees. The Board also stated that players who opted to leave early would face a formal review of their actions.

The suicide bombing outside an Islamabad court on Tuesday killed 12 people and injured 27, marking one of the city's deadliest attacks in recent years. Additionally, militants attacked a military-run school in Wana, killing three people before security forces intervened. Pakistan blamed militants based in Afghanistan, alleging Indian involvement, though both Kabul and New Delhi have denied these claims. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the attacks had placed Pakistan in a “state of war.”

This violence brought back memories of the 2009 Lahore attack on Sri Lanka's team, which caused a decade-long halt to international cricket in Pakistan. Following the attack, Pakistan was forced to host home matches in the UAE for several years. However, with improved security in major cities, international teams have gradually returned, with Sri Lanka resuming test cricket tours in 2019. Sri Lanka is playing a three-match one-day series in Rawalpindi, near Islamabad, followed by a Twenty20 tri-series involving Zimbabwe.