At least eight Sri Lankan cricketers are leaving Pakistan due to security concerns. A Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official confirmed the matter to news agency AFP.

The decision by the Sri Lankan cricketers has raised uncertainty over the last two matches of the ongoing Pakistan-Sri Lanka ODI series and the subsequent tri-nation T20 series with Zimbabwe.

Twelve people were killed and 27 injured in a suicide bomb attack outside a court complex in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Tuesday. The site of the horrific terrorist attack was just 17 kilometers away from the Rawalpindi Stadium, the venue for the Pakistan-Sri Lanka ODI series.

The Sri Lankan team was naturally panicked after hearing the news of the casualties in the attack. However, to reassure Hasaranga-Asalanka-Mendis, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi met them during the first ODI on Tuesday. He promised to ensure flawless security for the visitors.

The Pakistan Army and the country’s Border Guard Rangers have also been tasked with strengthening the security of the Sri Lankans. Even then, fear is still present in the minds of the cricketers.

An SLC source told AFP, “The second ODI of the two teams on Thursday is uncertain. However, replacement players will be sent to Pakistan soon so that the tri-nation series can continue.”

SLC President Shammi Silva said that the board is preparing a formal announcement on continuing the series. However, he did not give any details.

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 6 runs in the first ODI of the series in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. The last two matches of the series are scheduled to be played at the same venue today, Thursday and next Saturday.

In March 2009, gunmen attacked the Sri Lankan team bus on its way to play a Test match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, injuring six Sri Lankan cricketers. International cricket was suspended in Pakistan for six years after the incident.