Pakistan had a narrow victory over Sri Lanka in the first One Day International (ODI) match, winning by just six runs at the Rawalpindi venue on November 11, 2025. The match was highly anticipated, especially considering the history between the two nations in terms of cricketing events and security. However, recent safety concerns have led to significant developments regarding the ongoing ODI series. Following a tragic bomb explosion in Islamabad that resulted in the loss of 12 lives, eight players from the Sri Lankan cricket team have opted to return to their home country due to concerns for their safety. Their departure raises questions about the continuity of the series, particularly the upcoming second ODI that was scheduled for Thursday in Rawalpindi, which is geographically close to the site of the attack. According to sources from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), there remains uncertainty about whether the match will proceed as planned. It has been noted that substitutive players may be dispatched to ensure that the planned triangular series, which includes Zimbabwe alongside Pakistan, progresses as scheduled. This situation draws attention to the tumultuous past of cricket in Pakistan; notably a 2009 attack during which the Sri Lankan team bus was ambushed by assailants while traveling to a game. After that incident, foreign teams shunned tours to Pakistan for over a decade, forcing the country to host international matches at neutral venues. It was not until December 2019 that international cricket resumed in Pakistan with the return of the Sri Lankan team. The re-establishment of cricketing activities in Pakistan is a significant step towards regaining normalcy in the sporting landscape, yet the recent events have cast a shadow on the safety of players and the future of international tournaments in the region. As the cricketing world observes these developments, the emphasis on security will undoubtedly continue to be a focal point for teams contemplating tours to Pakistan.