Australia-Pakistan white ball matches could be moved due to political unrest

Karachi: Rising political unrest in Pakistan may force Australia’s limited overs cricket matches to be moved from Rawalpindi to Lahore as Prime Minister Imran Khan fights to remain in power.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is in the early stages of organising contingency plans should political tensions rise in a country run by the former international cricketer who rose to power in 2018.

Australia is midway through its first tour of Pakistan since 1998, which consists of three Test matches, three one-day internationals and a T20 international.

Following the second Test in Karachi, which finishes on Wednesday, Australia will travel to Lahore on Thursday ahead of the city’s first Test match since 2009.

Lahore has not hosted a Test for 13 years, mostly due to security fears from touring countries as a result of a terrorist attack in 2009 where gunmen attacked a Sri Lankan team bus. Six local policemen and two civilians were killed, while a number of players and officials were injured.

Australia is scheduled to travel from Lahore to Rawalpindi after the third Test to prepare for the first ODI on March 29. The only T20I takes place on April 5.

However, there is political turmoil brewing in Pakistan at the same time as Australia’s historic cricket tour.

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) political party, which is in power, has announced plans for a huge public gathering in front of Parliament House in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city, on March 27.

Islamabad and Rawalpindi are neighbouring cities within a 40-minute drive of each other.

A no-confidence motion has been issued by Khan’s opponents, meaning his reign could be over in a matter of weeks.

A PTI senator, Javed Khan, tweeted that it would be the “biggest rally” in Pakistan’s history, which could result in clashes with political opponents.

Opinion is divided whether Khan, who played 88 Tests for Pakistan from 1971 to 1992, will survive the motion and remain in power. A number of small political protests have taken place across the country during Australia’s visit.

Pakistan’s government has tightened security and plans on deploying 1000 paramilitary personnel in Islamabad.

The PCB is keeping a close eye on the situation.

A PCB spokesperson said a decision on whether the matches would be moved is expected to be made by the end of the week but confirmed contingencies had been discussed.

The governing body says the matches will be played and there is no risk of the tour not going ahead.

Lahore is the frontrunner to host the remaining four matches, given Australia’s squad will already be in the city.

Members of Australia’s limited overs squad, those of whom are already not in Pakistan with the Test group, arrive in the country on March 24.

Australia’s team hotel in Islamabad is nearby to the area where the major gathering is expected to take place, which could cause major disruptions.

In a recent interview with the Herald and The Age, conducted by former Australian captain Greg Chappell, Khan said he wouldn’t be able to attend any of the Pakistan-Australia series.

“Unfortunately, my days of watching cricket for the time being are over,” Khan said. “I follow the matches in the papers.”

Australia has not had any major security issues on their first tour to Pakistan in 24 years. A suicide bombing in Peshawar, which killed 63 people, did not prevent matches from continuing.

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