As political protests go rampant in Islamabad, the Sri Lanka A team decided that they will cut their currently underway tour short to get back home. According to the escalating unrest situation, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board has postponed the rest two 50-over games against Pakistan Shaheens. The decision was taken with assistance from the Pakistan Cricket Board. People have urged the ICC to shift the venue for Champions Trophy amid growing concerns of political unrest in Pakistan.
Sri Lanka A Cancels Tour To Pakistan
“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. The last two matches were scheduled for Wednesday and Friday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both boards will collaborate to finalise new dates to complete the series,” the PCB statement read.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Will Pakistan Accept Hybrid Model? ICC Likely To Take Decision On THIS Date
This is to ensure safe and secure conditions for both Sri Lankan players and staff amid the intense politico-military turmoil taking place in the region. The development comes as a significant blow to Pakistan, just months ahead of the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to take place in the country. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has already refused to send its team to Pakistan citing safety concerns.
Growing Political Unrest In Islamabad
The protests, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, started on Sunday as a march towards central Islamabad. Violent clashes have been reported between protesters and security forces.
Fans Demand RELOCATION Of Champions Trophy
This has sparked outrage among the fans and they have urged ICC to shift the event from Pakistan. One of the X user wrote that “All countries must boycott Pakistan” due to safety concerns. While other one wrote that “Safety should not be compromised”. With this political unrest the future of Champions Trophy again seems to be under threat as the tensions are on the rise.
News:
— JAY (@jaykans10777858) November 27, 2024
Sri Lanka A tour to Pakistan has been cancelled due to unrest in Islamabad.
aur ye log Champions Trophy host krne k sapne dekhn rhe h 🤦🏻♂️
Cancel champions trophy in Pakistan
— Rohan (@R0han_Hindu) November 27, 2024
And Rip champions trophy 🤣🤣🤣
— Harish Manihal (@harish_manihal) November 27, 2024
Ummid mat rakho pak walo
Pakistan is a perilous country. Any nation that values the safety of its teams should avoid sending them to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, as it’s a risk to their lives. All countries must boycott Pakistan and stop any form of visits to prevent further tragedies.@ICC…
— Kamal Khan 🇵🇸 (@khanaan01) November 27, 2024
Another tour disrupted in Pakistan over security. ICC must wake up and relocate the Champions Trophy.
— Sagar Lohatkar (@sagarlohatkar) November 27, 2024
Sri Lanka A vs Pakistan A suspended due to security issues. Will ICC still risk the Champions Trophy in Pakistan? Safety should never be compromised. pic.twitter.com/pRYPCuSvsx
Absolutely 👍
— D A N I S H • K U M A R 🌴 (@shimar84) November 27, 2024
Champions Trophy ‘25 should never be held in the most dangerous terror infested country.
It was a huge mistake by ICC to have allotted Pakistan the hosting rights for an International event within a dangerous terrorist country.
Pakistan is a rogue country.
— Drinho (@Drinho_03) November 27, 2024
Chaos everywhere.
No matter how much @TheRealPCB & @GovtofPakistan try to hide it from the world, they'll be exposed every time.@ICC please take cognizance before it's too late.
Do not risk players lives.
Shift champions trophy to any other venue.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Will ICC Convince Pakistan For Hybrid Model? Report REVEALS Shocking Details
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has scheduled a board meeting for November 29, where it is expected to address several key issues, including the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan concerning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.