The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has indefinitely postponed the remainder of Sri Lanka A’s tour of Pakistan due to ongoing mass protests in Islamabad by supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a political party led by former cricket captain and prime minister Imran Khan.
The two remaining 50-over matches of the series, originally scheduled for 27 and 29 November at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, have been delayed following a tense standoff in the capital. The PCB attributed the decision to “political activity” in Islamabad, Rawalpindi’s neighboring twin city, and noted that it was made in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
PCB Statement:
“The Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket, has postponed the last two 50-over matches of the Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka A series due to a political activity in the federal capital. Both boards will collaborate to finalize new dates to complete the series.”
Concerns about the protests had already impacted the series, with the PCB shifting the first one-dayer from Rawalpindi to the Islamabad Club Ground. That match, held on 25 November, took place just one day after Imran Khan’s supporters initiated a large-scale march to demand his release from prison.
Pakistan Shaheens currently lead the one-day series 1-0, following a commanding 108-run victory in the first game. They also claimed the preceding two-match first-class series 1-0.
The protests, which have brought Islamabad to a near standstill, have drawn significant attention, including from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister.
While the PCB aims to reschedule the matches, the timeline remains uncertain amid the ongoing political unrest. The delay casts a shadow over the series’ conclusion and highlights the challenges of hosting international cricket in politically volatile circumstances.
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