ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday finally decided to shift limited-overs matches between Pakistan and Australia to Lahore from Rawalpindi.

The decision was taken due to growing political rift between the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and the opposition parties, and with Islamabad set to be the hotbed of rallies and protest demonstrations in the coming days with the National Assembly is all set to take up the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan on March 28.

While the three One-day Internationals — on March 29, 31 and April 2 — and the lone T20 — on April 5 — were due to be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, both teams were due to stay in Islamabad.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed told reporters that the decision was made due to “political activities in Islamabad”.

Lahore is also the venue for the series-deciding third and final Test which gets underway from Monday. The first two games in Rawalpindi and Karachi ended in draws.

Mohammad Yaqoob from Lahore adds: Lahore was initially announced as the venue to host the limited-overs matches before Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Australia agreed on a revised schedule at the start of February which ensured Australia’s tour started and end in Rawalpindi.

Friday’s decision means Australia, who arrived in Lahore on Thursday, will now spend the maximum duration of their tour in Lahore.

Both the teams kept away from cricketing activities on Friday as some Australian players including their captain Pat Cummins enjoyed golf at a local club.

AFP adds: The Australians are on their first tour of the country in nearly a quarter of a century, having previously declined to visit because of security fears.

There have been no serious threats directed at the team since their arrival last month and an official with the Australian team said they had no issues with the change.

“In many ways it suits both teams as it means one less movement for players and officials,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2022