Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy 2025 next year, but the situation is already turning bleak for Pakistan cricket. The ongoing political protests in Islamabad are directly affecting sports in the country.
Due to these protests, Sri Lanka’s A team has decided to return home, leaving their ODI series against Pakistan Shaheens midway. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday (26 November) that discussions were held with the Sri Lankan board regarding this decision.
Last Match Won by Pakistan
As a result, PCB has postponed the last two 50-over matches scheduled between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A. These matches were to be played in Rawalpindi on Wednesday and Friday. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that the army has been called in to control the situation.
The last game between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A took place on Monday in Islamabad, where Pakistan claimed victory by 108 runs. The series still had two matches remaining. PCB announced that a new schedule would be created for these games in coordination with the Sri Lankan board.
Protests for Imran Khan’s Release
The political unrest stems from protests demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Supporters of Imran’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party staged a protest march towards Islamabad. Attempts by the government to block their way led to clashes, with protesters becoming aggressive.
Currently, Pakistan’s capital resembles a battleground. On one side are Imran Khan’s supporters, and on the other, General Asim Munir’s military forces. Protesters have dismantled barricades of shipping containers and entered Islamabad. The city has been turned into a fortress.
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Champions Trophy Decision on 29 November
The schedule and venues for the 2025 Champions Trophy, set to be hosted by Pakistan, remain unclear. Meanwhile, sources indicate that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely to hold a critical meeting regarding the tournament on Friday, 29 November.
This meeting is expected to finalize decisions regarding the tournament’s schedule and whether it will follow a hybrid model or be relocated to another country.
While PCB has been preparing extensively for the Champions Trophy, with most stadiums nearing completion, India has refused to send its team to Pakistan. The decision of Sri Lanka’s team to return mid-series poses a significant setback for Pakistan ahead of this prestigious tournament.