Charith Asalanka Poised to Lose Captaincy After Attempt to Scrap Pakistan Tour Following Islamabad Blast
Published: November 18, 2025
Reports say Sri Lanka Cricket will remove captain Charith Asalanka after he reportedly pushed to abandon the Pakistan tour following a suicide bombing in Islamabad that left 12 dead.
Tour thrown into turmoil after Islamabad suicide bombing
Sri Lanka's tour of Pakistan was plunged into crisis following a suicide bombing in Islamabad that killed 12 people and injured many more. The attack revived traumatic memories of the 2009 Lahore incident, prompting several members of the Sri Lankan touring party to express fears for their safety and request an immediate return home.
Pakistan authorities step in; matches rescheduled
Top Pakistani officials, including the Pakistan Cricket Board chair and senior military figures, personally engaged with the Sri Lankan team to offer reassurances and bolster security. Authorities reportedly tightened protection around the team hotel and arranged separate facilities for the touring party.
Because deliberations and logistics were disrupted, the last two ODIs were pushed back by a day and are now scheduled for November 14 and November 16. The following T20I tri-series (with Zimbabwe) was also moved and will be played entirely in Rawalpindi, beginning on November 18.
Asalanka reportedly led calls to abandon tour
Sources say captain Charith Asalanka was the principal figure urging the team to abandon the tour immediately — a move that reportedly influenced several players. The Sri Lanka Cricket board found the incident serious and viewed the attempt to unilaterally abandon the tour as a breach of the touring party's directive to remain and complete fixtures.
SLC to remove Asalanka from captaincy
Following internal reviews, SLC is understood to be preparing strong disciplinary action. Board insiders indicate that Asalanka is likely to be stripped of the captaincy for attempting to lead the team out of Pakistan against official instructions. The board has urged members of the touring party to follow directives and has warned that any defiance will trigger formal reviews.
Background & context
Sri Lanka previously suffered a terror attack in Lahore in 2009 that kept international teams away from Pakistan for years. Sri Lanka were among the earlier sides to resume touring Pakistan, and the current episode highlights the lingering sensitivities and risks surrounding international cricket in the country.