PAK vs AUS: Limited-overs fixtures shifted to Lahore due to political turmoil in Islamabad
Pakistan (image source: Twitter)
Australia are currently in Pakistan for an all-format series. The Test series is underway where the first two games ended in draws .The final game will start on March 21 in Lahore. According to the old schedule, the three ODIs and a T20I were meant to be played in Rawalpindi.
Now in recent developments, the limited-overs matches will be shifted to Rawalpindi due to the political turmoil in Islamabad. “All the four white-ball matches will be shifted to Gaddafi Stadium where teams are set to play the final Test of the series starting from March 21 in case the political situation in Islamabad stays the same till March 20,” as reported by Cricket Pakistan.
Talking about the political turmoil, former Pakistan skipper and current Prime Minister Imran Khan is having a feud with the opposition parties. Khan is set to face a no-confidence motion, which may create a situation of unrest in the country.
The dates of the games haven’t been changed though. As per the schedule, the three ODIs and a T20I will be played on March 29, 31, April 2, and 5. Australia’s white-ball squad members are set to arrive in Pakistan on March 24.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia have rested players such as David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins for the white-ball games. Pakistan recently announced a full-strength squad for the limited-overs games.
ODI squad
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-Ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir
T20I squad
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir
