Sri Lanka A Withdrawal from Pakistan Series Cites Political Unrest
Due to unrest in Pakistan, Sri Lanka A withdrew from the A series against the Pakistan Shaheens. This halted the matches. The decision, announced on Wednesday, postponed two one-day matches. They were set for November 29 and December 1 in Rawalpindi.
Series Overview: Matches Played and Canceled
Sri Lanka A arrived in Islamabad on November 8 for a five-game series comprising:
- Two four-day matches
- Three one-day matches
After three matches, the organizers canceled the remaining two one-dayers because Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) withdrew its team.
Official Statements and Reactions
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a statement, confirmed SLC’s decision, stating:
“The Pakistan Cricket Board has postponed the last two 50-over matches of the Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka ‘A’ series.” They consulted Sri Lanka Cricket first.”” This is due to political activity in the capital.”
PCB sources said the decision was due to political activity, not a security threat.
Broader Implications
Both boards have handled the situation with diplomacy. But, the withdrawal highlights the challenges of touring Pakistan during unrest. The incident shows the need to balance cricket schedules and player safety.
