Charith Asalanka 'provoked' Sri Lankan players to end Pakistan tour

Sri Lankan media has reported that national team captain Charith Asalanka allegedly played a role in persuading players to withdraw from the Pakistan tour following the recent blast in Islamabad.

According to the reports, Asalanka urged team members to abandon the ongoing series due to security concerns triggered by the incident. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board has since recalled him, and it is being reported that disciplinary action against Asalanka is under consideration.

Dasun Shanaka has been appointed Sri Lankan team’s captain for the Tri-Nation T20I series being played in Pakistan.

These developments come amid heightened security discussions surrounding the tour.

Earlier in the month, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Sri Lanka team players at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to assure them of foolproof security after reports suggested players wanted to end tour.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Fred Sri Weeratne and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry were also present during the visit.

Naqvi inspected the security arrangements and met with the officers on duty. He urged the personnel of law enforcement agencies to perform their duties with dedication and commitment.

The PCB chairman also met with the Sri Lankan cricket team players, who were present for practice, and personally thanked them for continuing the tour.

“Your security is our responsibility.” “Your continued visit to Pakistan is a victory for peace and a defeat for terrorism,” he said.