Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif has issued a powerful reminder of the deep cricketing ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, highlighting how both nations have supported each other through years of conflict, security threats and unprecedented challenges. In a detailed note, Latif drew parallels between the current concerns surrounding the Sri Lankan team in Islamabad and similar moments of crisis experienced in the past.
Latif began by recalling Pakistan’s 1994 tour of Sri Lanka, during which the Pakistani team played three Test matches and three ODIs while the island was engulfed in fierce clashes between government forces and the LTTE. After the second Test in Colombo, a major bomb blast triggered a curfew, forcing the cancellation of the third Test, yet the Pakistani team chose to remain in Colombo. Latif said that the decision taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board in consultation with the government was “taken very seriously by the players”. The cancelled Test was replaced with two ODIs, and Pakistan eventually won the Test series 2–0 and the ODIs 4–1.
He also reflected on the early months of 1996, another turbulent period for Sri Lanka marked by bombings, suicide attacks and frequent curfews. During the 1996 Cricket World Cup, hosted jointly by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, both Australia and the West Indies refused to play in Colombo due to security concerns. In a strong show of solidarity, Pakistan and India formed a combined team and travelled to Sri Lanka. The star-studded squad included Mohammad Azharuddin, Sachin Tendulkar, Saeed Anwar, Wasim Akram, Anil Kumble, Rashid Latif, Waqar Younis, Ajay Jadeja, Ijaz Ahmed and Aamer Sohail. Latif recalled how then Prime Minister Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga met the players and how Arjuna Ranatunga delivered an emotional speech thanking both nations for their support. Sri Lanka went on to win the 1996 World Cup in Lahore, where Ranatunga received the trophy from Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Latif then revisited the traumatic events of 3 March 2009, when the Sri Lankan team was attacked in Lahore. That attack forced Pakistan into nearly a decade without international cricket on home soil. Despite this setback, Pakistan eventually rebuilt trust and went on to host major teams including Australia, England, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, South Africa, West Indies and New Zealand.
Addressing the recent concerns raised by some Sri Lankan players during their stay in Islamabad, Latif said that a few had requested an immediate return, causing complications for the Pakistan Cricket Board. He noted that the PCB and Pakistani government moved swiftly, holding diplomatic discussions with Sri Lankan officials before issuing a statement confirming that the tour would continue.
Latif emphasised that cricket holds immense value for Pakistan and that Sri Lanka remains a respected and competitive cricketing partner. His message served as a reminder of the long-standing bond, mutual support and shared resilience that have defined Pakistan-Sri Lanka cricketing relations for decades.
