ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Tuesday announced the postponement of the last two 50-over matches of the Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka ‘A’ series due to political unrest in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad.
The PCB in a statement said that the decision was taken after consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket.
The last two matches were scheduled for Wednesday and Friday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The statement said both boards will collaborate to finalise new dates to complete the series.
The Shaheens lead the series, having won the two four-day matches 1-0 and the opening 50-over match on Monday by 108 runs.
The development comes as Islamabad has been gripped by protests of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters clashing with law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies have already taken control of Islamabad’s D-Chowk and pushed back the violent protesters.
The PTI workers had attempted to remove the container blocking the heavily fortified Red Zone in the federal capital, prompting police to evacuate the area.
Earlier today, former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party charged protesters entered Islamabad’s D-Chowk as the heavily fortified Red Zone in the federal capital has become a battleground.
The country’s law enforcement agencies (LEAs) personnel used tear gas to deter Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) party workers.
READ ALSO: Pakistan Forces Take Control of Islamabad’s D-Chowk, Push Back PTI Protesters
PTI protesters, defying heavy security measures and roadblocks, reached D-Chowk after a day of intense clashes with law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry issued a notification invoking Article 245, allowing the military to assist in maintaining order and deal with the miscreants with an iron hand.
The notification also gives the army authority to impose curfew wherever necessary to curb lawlessness.
