Internet applauds Sri Lanka’s sportsmanship as team continues stay in Pakistan

The internet was filled with praise for the Sri Lankan government and cricket board after they decided that their national team would continue its stay in Pakistan. Reports surfaced on Wednesday claiming that the Sri Lankan cricket team had requested to cut its visit short following a suicide blast in Islamabad.

However, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later assured the Sri Lankan board of full security for all team members. Following these assurances, Sri Lanka Cricket instructed its team to continue the tour for the ongoing ODI and tri-nation series.

Eight Sri Lankan players have reportedly chosen to leave the tour despite the directive. In response, Sri Lanka Cricket stated that replacements would be sent, while those who returned early would face a formal review.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have already played their first ODI on November 11, while the remaining matches have been rescheduled, with the second ODI set for November 14 and the final one on November 16.

After the ODI series, the team will participate in the tri-nation series featuring Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Thankyou Sri Lanka Team for standing with cricket and defeating terrorism #FriendshipNotOut
🇵🇰 🤝 🇱🇰

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 12, 2025

Our special thanks to the Sri Lankan Cricket Team for their visit and for a good display of cricket. Our best wishes and gratitude #FriendshipNotOut

— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) November 12, 2025

Despite our “neighbours’ attempts to undermine cricket, the #SriLankan cricket team has decided to stay and play #Cricket. A big thanks to the Sri Lankan Cricket Board and the team!

— Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) November 12, 2025

Don't think any single cricket nation has stood by Pakistan's side as steadfastly as Sri Lanka.

Even after what they went through in 2009, they played Pakistan every single year for years, and were the first team to tour for a Test series eventually.

The bond remains strong 💙

— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) November 12, 2025

Thank you Sri Lanka cricketers https://t.co/0OeK7yrUm2

— Mubashir Zaidi (@xadeejourno) November 12, 2025

In 1994, when we went to Sri Lanka to play three Tests and three One Day Internationals, the situation in Sri Lanka was not good. There were many clashes with the LTTE. After two Test matches in Colombo, a blast occurred, and a curfew was imposed in the city, leading to the… pic.twitter.com/LzrxsognDJ

— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) November 13, 2025

Heartfelt thanks to the Sri Lankan team for courage, solidarity, and love for the game 🇵🇰❤️🇱🇰
Every match, every run, every cheer, Pakistan and Sri Lanka prove terror has no place here. Friendship, trust, and unity always win! #FriendshipNotOut https://t.co/LDqyMvqhpI

— Muneeb Farooq (@muneebfaruqpak) November 12, 2025