Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Sri Lanka Cricket Duo Returns Home; Pakistan-Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe Tri-Series Continues
Two Sri Lankan cricket players, the captain and a fast bowler, went back home from Pakistan because they were sick.
They were supposed to play in a cricket tournament with Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
The cricket board said this is just a precaution so they can get better and be ready for future games.
This news comes after some players had concerns about their safety due to a recent bombing in Islamabad.
However, the cricket board had told everyone to stay and finish the tour as planned.
The tournament is still happening in Pakistan.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando returned home from Pakistan due to illness.
They will not participate in the upcoming tri-series involving Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe.
The decision was a precautionary measure for their recovery ahead of future assignments.
Sri Lanka Cricket had instructed the team to continue with the tour despite safety concerns following a suicide bombing in Islamabad.
The tri-series between Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe is ongoing in Rawalpindi, with the final on November 29.
- Who
- Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka and fast bowler Asitha Fernando
- What
- Returned home from Pakistan tour due to illness
- When
- Announced on Monday, tournament ongoing since November 18
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- For medical care and recovery ahead of future assignments, as a precautionary measure; tournament continues due to top teams' commitment
Player Safety Concerns
Board Directive
Safety Fears Amidst Security Incident
Player Safety Concerns
Reports indicated that several Sri Lankan cricketers were scared for their safety and wanted to return home following a suicide bombing in Islamabad.
Board Directive
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) instructed all players, support staff, and team management to continue with the tour as scheduled, despite the security concerns.
Consequences of Ignoring Directives
Player Safety Concerns
Players who might consider abandoning the tour due to safety fears could face repercussions.
Board Directive
SLC issued a threat of a 'formal review' for any player or staff member who ignored its directive and abandoned the tour.
- Players Returning Home
- Charith Asalanka (Captain), Asitha Fernando (Fast Bowler)
- Reason for Return
- Illness
- Tournament Affected
- T20 tri-series (Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zimbabwe)
- Location of Tour
- Pakistan
- Tournament Duration
- November 18 - November 29
- Venue
- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Sources
Sri Lanka skipper, pacer return home from Pakistan
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka and Asitha Fernando to return home from Pakistan tour due to illness
Sri Lanka's Asalanka, Fernando return home from Pakistan due to 'illness' a week after Islamabad suicide attack
Pakistan-Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe T20I Tri-series 2025: When & where to watch in India? Squads, schedule, streaming details
Pakistan Vs Zimbabwe T20 Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch Online For Free?
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe T20 Live Score: Tri-Series Opener Kickstarts T20 World Cup Preperation
