Pakistan' s upcoming ODI series against Australia has been moved from Rawalpindi to Lahore due to political uncertainty surrounding Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Khan, who was a World Cup winner for Pakistan before moving into politics, is set to face a no-confidence vote in the coming days. As a result, political rallies are set to take place on behalf of both Khan's ruling Pakistan Thereek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).
The rallies are due to be held in the capital city of Islamabad, which is adjacent to Rawalpindi. PTI have announced that one million people will be at a rally in D Chowk on March 27 to support Khan.
D Chowk is less than two kilometres away from the hotel both Pakistan and Australia were set to stay at during the series. PDM, meanwhile, have called on their supporters to converge on Islamabad on March 23, which is Pakistan day.
Pakistan's interior minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said on Friday that the government had recommended the games be moved to Lahore because of the current political climate. "Due to political activities and scenario we have decided it would be better to have the matches in Lahore as there will be a lot of movement and activities in Islamabad and Pindi during the time frame the matches are scheduled," he said.
On Saturday, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the move in a statement. "Pakistan and Australia cricket boards have mutually agreed to shift white-ball matches from Rawalpindi to Lahore on the dates as announced previously," the statement read.
"The decision was made on Saturday morning following discussions between the two boards." Pakistan have named two players in their squad who will be hoping to make their international debuts.
Twenty-year-old wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris has been picked off the back of a breakout season in this year's Pakistan Super League (PSL). Haris struck 166 runs at an average of 33.20 and a strike rate of 187 for Peshawar Zalmi and he will deputise for Mohammad Rizwan.
Veteran all-rounder Asif Afridi has also been called up to the squad after some impressive PSL form. The 35-year-old left-arm spinner took eight wickets at an average of 15.50 for Multan Sultans and will provide cover for Mohammad Nawaz, who has been out of action since February with a foot injury.
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