In a dramatic turn of events, at least eight Sri Lankan cricketers have decided to return home without participating in the ongoing tri-nation white-ball cricket series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe. This decision comes in the wake of a devastating suicide bombing in Islamabad on Tuesday, which claimed 12 lives and left 27 injured outside a court. The players expressed deep concerns over their safety, prompting their abrupt departure. A Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official confirmed the news on Wednesday, stating that substitute players would be sent to continue the series. The second One Day International (ODI) against Pakistan, scheduled for Thursday, is now in doubt. SLC President Shammi Silva mentioned that a formal statement regarding the team’s continued participation in the tournament is being prepared, though no further details were provided. This incident has reignited memories of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, which left six players injured and led to international teams avoiding Pakistan for nearly a decade. Despite the heightened security measures announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board, the players’ fears have overshadowed the series. Pakistan had previously defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in the opening ODI in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, a match that proceeded despite the attack in Islamabad. The remaining matches are set to take place on Thursday and Saturday, also in Rawalpindi.