Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi hosted a dinner for the visiting Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe cricket teams at a rooftop restaurant in Islamabad on Saturday.The dinner featured traditional dishes that were appreciated by players from both visiting teams. Pakistan’s ODI and T20I squad members also attended the gathering, sharing casual moments with their Sri Lankan and Zimbabwean counterparts.The ongoing three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka faced brief uncertainty when Sri Lankan players expressed security concerns about continuing their white-ball tour.PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Sri Lankan players to address their security concerns.Sri Lanka Cricket released an official statement addressing the situation: “Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was informed by the team management that several members of the national team touring Pakistan have requested to return home, citing safety concerns.“Following this development, SLC immediately engaged with the players and assured them that all such concerns are being duly addressed in close coordination with the PCB and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of every member of the touring party.”SLC stated that any player choosing to return home despite the assurances would be immediately replaced to maintain the tour schedule, with their decision subject to formal review.Pakistan currently lead the three-match ODI series 2-0 against Sri Lanka, with the final match scheduled for Sunday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.A T20I tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe is set to follow from November 18 to 29, with matches planned in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
