In an unprecedented development, Sri Lanka A have canceled their Pakistan tour mid-way. It comes on the back of the political unrest in Islamabad by supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The party is led by former Pakistan cricket team captain and PM Imran Khan.
The tour saw Sri Lanka A play two first-class games against Pakistan A in Rawalpindi. The first contest was won by the hosts, while the second one ended in a draw. The first game of the 50-over series played in Islamabad on November 25 saw Pakistan A winning by 108 runs.
The rest of the two games were due to take place in Rawalpindi, but stands postponed at this time. Both boards will chalk out a definitive timeline for scheduling the remaining two games.
“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,” a PCB statement said. “The last two matches were scheduled for Wednesday and Friday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both boards will collaborate to finalize new dates to complete the series.”
Interestingly, the first one-dayer was slated to take place in Rawalpindi, but Islamabad served as the host due to the date marking a day after Imran Khan termed as “final call” for his supporters to demand his release from prison and other things.
The 72-year-old been at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since last year, facing charges on over 200 cases. The protests reportedly saw six security personnel dead and dozens injured.
There is roughly a distance of 30 km that separates the country’s capital Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and the serious unrest resulted in the series being postponed.
Pakistan suffers a huge blow ahead of ICC’s Champions Trophy meeting
The Pakistan Cricket Board has seemingly suffered a huge roadblock in their pursuit of hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy. After India refused to travel to the country, the ICC has called for a board meeting on November 29 to discuss whether the marquee event would take place in a hybrid mode or in Pakistan.
As per reports, ICC is trying to convince Pakistan to hold the tournament in hybrid mode, with India’s league games taking place in UAE. Moreover, if India qualifies for the final, the game could take place in Dubai. However, Pakistan is hellbent on holding games in Pakistan as they have spent a fortune on improving the infrastructure of their stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
With the protests having a final say in Sri Lanka’s A tour to Pakistan, the apex board could take a stern decision against the PCB organizing the Champions Trophy.
FAQs
When is the 2025 Champions Trophy scheduled?
February 19 to March 9
Who won the last edition of Champions Trophy?
Pakistan secured a title victory in 2017 Champions Trophy by beating India by 180 runs
