- ODIs and T20 scheduled in Rawalpindi has been shifted to Lahore
- Interior Minister announced the change due to the possible shift in the political situation in Islamabad
- The series will begin on 29th March
The Pakistan v Australia short format series has shifted from Rawalpindi to Lahore following the rising tensions between two major political parties which have caused Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan to face a no-confidence vote in the coming week.
The ruling party Pakistan Tehreek–Insaf (PTI) and the opposition Pakistan Democratic Front (PDM) are all set to bring their supporters in huge numbers to the Federal Capital Islamabad which is a twin city to Rawalpindi. In light of the unrest, it might cause and its subsequent repercussions, Interior Minister Shiekh Rasheed announced the change in venue in a press conference on Friday.
The white ball leg of Pakistan vs Australia has been moved to #Lahore from #Rawalpindi, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid has announced.
The 4 white ball matches including 3 ODI’s and a solitary T20 were due to be played in Pindi Cricket Stadium from 29th March to 5th of April. pic.twitter.com/FzGmnb9RfF
— Pakistan Observer (@pakobserver) March 18, 2022
The venue change was in cards ever since the political situation started to come to a boil. PTI had announced that he would bring one million people to D-chowk to show their support for Khan and the place happens to be less than 2 kilometres away from the hotel the two teams are to stay. Understandably, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was reluctant in the location shift since it would send a negative message to the cricket world but the circumstances have forced to take such an action.
Rawalpindi stadium was scheduled to host three ODIs and one T20I match against Australia from 29th March. It is, however, unclear whether the dates of the matches will be changed or not. The visitors are currently stationed in Lahore to play the last Test match of the series of three. The first match which was played in Rawalpindi ended in a draw and so did the Lahore Test after a nail-biting fifth day. Notably, Australia’s white-ball squad is yet to arrive in the country.
Also, Read: No explanation policy adopted by PCB
