Pakistan vs Australia ODIs and T20I moved from Rawalpindi to Lahore due to political tension

[Major]

The 3-match ODI series and the lone T20I between Pakistan and Australia which was scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi from March 29 has been moved to Lahore, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said on Friday. The decision has been taken due to the prevailing political tension in Islamabad.


The ODIs and the T20I will be hosted by the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore which will also host the final Test of the ongoing 3-match series. Pakistan and Australia played out two drawn Tests, one each in Rawalpindi and Karachi in Australia's first trip to the Asian nation in 29 years.

"The matches are being shifted to Lahore because of political activities in the capital," Ahmad told reporters on Friday.


There have been no threats received by the teams but the decision to shift the venue of the limited-overs series comes even as political rallies for and against the government are planned in Islamabad, which is close to Rawalpindi in the coming days, according to the news agency AFP.

According to Pakistan media, the parliament session for the vote of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan will be held sooner than later.

Australia cricketers, including Test captain Pat Cummins, have stressed that they are happy with the security in Pakistan and the hospitality extended by the Pakistan Cricket Board. Both the Rawalpindi and the Karachi Tests had the crowd at the stands as Pakistan welcomed top-tier international cricket to its soil after more than a decade.

Australia last toured to Pakistan in 1998 when they won the Test series 1-0 while also winning all the matches in the limited-overs series. Pakistan has struggled to attract visiting sides since a fatal terrorist attack on the visiting Sri Lanka team’s bus in 2009, and Australia pulled out of a tour five years earlier after a suicide blast at a Lahore church.

Pakistan has also hosted Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh and South Africa over the last six years,

Pakistan and Australia will play the 3rd Test in Lahore from March 21

https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cr...tical-tension-in-islamabad-1926818-2022-03-18

 

[Major]

Poor stuff from the govt.

They cannot implement law and order looks like and thus are changing the schdule.

Its just a simple vote of no confidence, but because the govt in power wants to start a war on 27th by literally asking party workers to appear and fight, just shows how pathetic things have been made by them.

If people follow the constitution even than the govt is prepared to destroy law and order. Pathetic.

 

[Rana]

Thank God

Rawal Pindi sucks as a venue if I’m honest!

 

[ChTab]

Thank God

Rawal Pindi sucks as a venue if I’m honest!

Yes the ground is very bad but the crowd is always amazing.

 

[Babeikh]

Seems like a sensible decision to me. Already PTI supporters have stormed some building, climbed over the walls etc. No doubt Sharif supporters will do something similar. You couldn't put it past these political party goondas to try some publicity stunt like blocking the road of the team buses etc, it would have just caused a completely unnecessary situation. Plus also, am guessing security in the federal capital will be stretched with police resources going to this demonstrators etc

Shame it couldn't have been Multan or Faisalabad but I guess those venues and / or a detailed security plan might not be ready.

 

[Sarwar89]

Well political instability is not helping the cause, you have to give credit to Aussies for not objecting on this decision.

Blast in Peshawar and now this storming in Sindh and changing of ODI/T20 venue from Pindi to Lahore are some events which Aussies could have objected but they did not.

I think had it been Nzl Or Eng
Reaction would have been different from them.

 

[Yati]

Poor stuff from the govt.

They cannot implement law and order looks like and thus are changing the schdule.

Its just a simple vote of no confidence, but because the govt in power wants to start a war on 27th by literally asking party workers to appear and fight, just shows how pathetic things have been made by them.

If people follow the constitution even than the govt is prepared to destroy law and order. Pathetic.

Yes, Its all on the Government and nothing to do with the Thief's that have looted the country for the last 40 years.

 

[iRfaN_LA]

It just looks really bad to change venue mid way. Attracts unnecessary attention. Our politicians are an embarrassment.

 

[Major]

Yes, Its all on the Government and nothing to do with the Thief's that have looted the country for the last 40 years.

?

the opposition is follow the constitution that allows them to do a vote of no confidence. They submitted a motion.

its the govt that has declared a war on them on 27 which is why law and order can be a mess. Its the govt that is creating a mess here

 

[HappyWarsFan]

?

the opposition is follow the constitution that allows them to do a vote of no confidence. They submitted a motion.

its the govt that has declared a war on them on 27 which is why law and order can be a mess. Its the govt that is creating a mess here

When is the vote? I want this nonsense to be over with ASAP

 

[Buffet]

Why will games move due to political tensions?

 

[ZaidTR]

Good Decision

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Why will games move due to political tensions?

In the capital there will be political demonstrations and protests that may block streets.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I can't believe this. Was really looking forward to seeing a couple of ODIs.

Also, Pindi Stadium is the best stadium in Pakistan to watch live cricket in. And its not even close. I've been to GSL, NSK and Pindi Stadium so I know.

 

[Buffet]

In the capital there will be political demonstrations and protests that may block streets.

Thanks. So it seems the decision is due to logistics. I did not even think about it. I was only thinking in terms of the security situation while asking the question.

 

[Sher Khan]

Not a good look for the country's image this. Surely these political activities could have been put on hold until the important series ended?

 

[Yati]

?

the opposition is follow the constitution that allows them to do a vote of no confidence. They submitted a motion.

its the govt that has declared a war on them on 27 which is why law and order can be a mess. Its the govt that is creating a mess here

No one is saying the govt is not at fault, they should have handled this better, but dont act like the opposition are saints here, people that use to call each other names back in the day have tied there hands together to hide there corruption and made false accusations without proof to get a no confidence vote.

 

[Major]

No one is saying the govt is not at fault, they should have handled this better, but dont act like the opposition are saints here, people that use to call each other names back in the day have tied there hands together to hide there corruption and made false accusations without proof to get a no confidence vote.

bhai, in this situation the govt in power is at fault.

the opposition is using its constitutional right to do a vote thats it. Law and order mess is being created by the govt.

 

[Major]

Why will games move due to political tensions?

on 27th march, imran khan order his political workers to be ready to put up a fight against the opposition and the mnas entering

 

[Colorblind Genius]

?

the opposition is follow the constitution that allows them to do a vote of no confidence. They submitted a motion.

its the govt that has declared a war on them on 27 which is why law and order can be a mess. Its the govt that is creating a mess here

Talking about conversational rights, can the PM dissolve the parliament/assemblies and implement presidential rule - OR - can the PM declare an “emergency”, which I think, in both cases, will halt the motion of no confidence.

Whether doing so would be right or wrong, is not the question. It’s about using the constitutional rights. The same constitutional rights that the opposition is exercising to push the motion of no confidence?

 

[MenInG]

Leave political discussions off Cricket Forum - PLEASE!

 

[MenInG]

Not a good look for the country's image this. Surely these political activities could have been put on hold until the important series ended?

On the contrary - great advertisement for democracy and our image.

Smart decision.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Pak's politics and politicians are a running circus.

The people who would be most affected by it are those living near the 7th avenue.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan and Australia cricket boards have mutually agreed to shift white-ball matches from Rawalpindi to Lahore on the dates as announced previously. The decision was made on Saturday morning following discussions between the two boards.

This means the headquarters of Pakistan cricket will host the 29 March, 31 March and 2 April One-Day Internationals as well as the one-off Twenty20 International on 5 April at the back of the third Test, which commences on 21 March.

The 50-over matches will start at 1500 local time, while the first ball in the 20-over match will be bowled at 2030 local time.

Australia’s white-ball players, as originally planned, will arrive in Lahore on 24 March and after one-day room isolation, will integrate with other members of their side. Pakistan’s white-ball players are scheduled to assemble on 22 March and will resume training on 25 March.

The ODIs are part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. Top seven-placed sides from this event plus ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 hosts India will qualify directly for the pinnacle 50-over competition, which will be staged next year in October/November. Australia are presently seventh and Pakistan ninth in the 13-team event, but a lot of 50-over cricket still needs to be played.

Squads:

Australia (ODI & T20I) - Aaron Finch (captain), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa

Pakistan (ODI) – 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, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir

Pakistan (T20I) – 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, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir

 

[shamaan]

Pakistan should win both the odis and t20s.

 

[Markhor]

Pakistan should win both the odis and t20s.

We haven't beaten Australia in a bilateral ODI series since 2002. About time we end this embarrassing record.

 

[Slim]

This is so disappointing :/

I was so looking forward to watching the t20I live.

 

[topspin]

I can't believe this. Was really looking forward to seeing a couple of ODIs.

Also, Pindi Stadium is the best stadium in Pakistan to watch live cricket in. And its not even close. I've been to GSL, NSK and Pindi Stadium so I know.

I can imagine. From the TV footage I can imagine it's the one ground where you're closest to the action.

GSL and NSK appear to have the stands much further away from the pitch.

 

[topspin]

We haven't beaten Australia in a bilateral ODI series since 2002. About time we end this embarrassing record.

I appreciate this slightly off-topic but can you see why I wanted green tops for the test series?

 

[Markhor]

I appreciate this slightly off-topic but can you see why I wanted green tops for the test series?

I think our best shot of beating Australia is on dry, spin wickets like we had in UAE in 2014 and 2018.

Our guys collapsed on a dead pitch in the 1st inns in Karachi so they'd have no chance against the Aussie quicks on a greentop.

 

[topspin]

I think our best shot of beating Australia is on dry, spin wickets like we had in UAE in 2014 and 2018.

Our guys collapsed on a dead pitch in the 1st inns in Karachi so they'd have no chance against the Aussie quicks on a greentop.

I think that's more because we struggle under scoreboard pressure. We have players well equipped to defend against the quicks in good pace bowling conditions.

Shaheen and Hasan Ali will be lethal on these pitches especially with the new ball. It's best way to neutralise Warner, Smith and Labuschagne. Khawaja is the only one who I'd be worried about.

I rate Australia's spin attack more than our spinners so I'd be reluctant to prepare the a dry surface. Remember we don't have Yasir Shah anymore.

 

[Savak]

Bilawal has already threatened to disrupt the OIC conference. The Australia series is nothing in comparison.

 

[Zaz]

I think that's more because we struggle under scoreboard pressure. We have players well equipped to defend against the quicks in good pace bowling conditions.

Shaheen and Hasan Ali will be lethal on these pitches especially with the new ball. It's best way to neutralise Warner, Smith and Labuschagne. Khawaja is the only one who I'd be worried about.

I rate Australia's spin attack more than our spinners so I'd be reluctant to prepare the a dry surface. Remember we don't have Yasir Shah anymore.

And we dont have cummins hazlewood or a starc in our bowling line up A green track would be suicide with these pacers in the lineup

Like the poster said a dry surface with a bit more spin and pace would be the best for us

I dont rate lyon or that new leggie to outbowl our spinners on a subcontinent pitch with a bit more in it for the tweekers

 

[topspin]

And we dont have cummins hazlewood or a starc in our bowling line up A green track would be suicide with these pacers in the lineup

Like the poster said a dry surface with a bit more spin and pace would be the best for us

I dont rate lyon or that new leggie to outbowl our spinners on a subcontinent pitch with a bit more in it for the tweekers

We have Shaheen and Hostile Hasan.

You need to believe the unseen.

 

[Kroll]

I think that's more because we struggle under scoreboard pressure. We have players well equipped to defend against the quicks in good pace bowling conditions.

Shaheen and Hasan Ali will be lethal on these pitches especially with the new ball. It's best way to neutralise Warner, Smith and Labuschagne. Khawaja is the only one who I'd be worried about.

I rate Australia's spin attack more than our spinners so I'd be reluctant to prepare the a dry surface. Remember we don't have Yasir Shah anymore.

True, we need start focusing on our own strengths and back ourselves rather than what opposition can do.

This Australian team aren't invincible or ATG's.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I can imagine. From the TV footage I can imagine it's the one ground where you're closest to the action.

GSL and NSK appear to have the stands much further away from the pitch.

Its insane how far the stands are from the ground at GSL. Eventhough it is the most beautiful stadium in Pakistan, aesthetically...it is arguably the worst when it comes to watching cricket.

 

[Saj]

Leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood has replaced left-arm-spinner Mohammad Nawaz in the Pakistan squad for the three-match ODI and one-off T20I against Australia which will be played in Lahore from 29 March. Nawaz has not made full recovery from the foot injury he suffered during the HBL Pakistan Super League 7 and has been ruled out of the series.

Zahid will also act as a cover for leg-spinner Shadab Khan whose fitness will be reassessed in the lead-up to the white-ball series. Pakistan’s white-ball players are scheduled to assemble at the team hotel in Lahore on 22 March and will start training on 25 March.

Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim: “Unfortunately Mohammad Nawaz has not recovered fully from the foot injury he suffered during the HBL Pakistan Super League 7. We also need to reassess Shadab Khan’s fitness once he joins the squad before playing him in this high profile series which is very important for us in terms of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League points.

“Zahid Mehmood has been with the team for the Tests and also featured in the HBL PSL 7 for Islamabad United. We feel he is an adequate replacement in the present situation and can potentially make a contribution to the team if needed.”

 

[shamaan]

We haven't beaten Australia in a bilateral ODI series since 2002. About time we end this embarrassing record.

Their squad Australia is not the best they also don't have warner or maxwell.

I would be extremely disappointed if they don't win both.

 

[Kianig89]

ODis Australia can win in sleep they are sol drilled we don't have proper power hitters new ball bowlers a match winning spinner lot of issues 0-3 Aus favourites

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood has replaced left-arm-spinner Mohammad Nawaz in the Pakistan squad for the three-match ODI and one-off T20I against Australia which will be played in Lahore from 29 March. Nawaz has not made full recovery from the foot injury he suffered during the HBL Pakistan Super League 7 and has been ruled out of the series.

Zahid will also act as a cover for leg-spinner Shadab Khan whose fitness will be reassessed in the lead-up to the white-ball series. Pakistan’s white-ball players are scheduled to assemble at the team hotel in Lahore on 22 March and will start training on 25 March.

Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim: “Unfortunately Mohammad Nawaz has not recovered fully from the foot injury he suffered during the HBL Pakistan Super League 7. We also need to reassess Shadab Khan’s fitness once he joins the squad before playing him in this high profile series which is very important for us in terms of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League points.

“Zahid Mehmood has been with the team for the Tests and also featured in the HBL PSL 7 for Islamabad United. We feel he is an adequate replacement in the present situation and can potentially make a contribution to the team if needed.”

Didnt he know before selecting the 20 man squad.. Yes 20 man squad for home series..

Probably he just copy paste his old PPT. He is just a show off, has no clue what he is a doing out there as chief selector..

Plucked Nauman and Sajid out from nowhere , they look terrible now in this series against top teams..

 

[MenInG]

Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Additional IG Fayyaz Ahmad Dev has said police will ensure foolproof security during the Pakistan-Australia cricket series like they have been doing in the past.

“We are ready to provide complete protection to the visiting national and international players, as well as spectators, during the series,” he said, adding the security plan was more elaborate than that of previous matches.

Pakistan and Australia will play one test match, three one-day international matches and one T-20 match in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from March 21 to April 5.

According to the security plan, more than 8,000 police officials, including SPs, SDPOs, SHOs from Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit and Elite Force, will perform security, patrolling and traffic management duties during the matches.


Australian players and officials have been given the status of state guests, according to the government directions.

The CCPO said close circuit TV cameras around the stadium and parking areas had been made fully operational to ensure strict vigilance during the cricket series.

He said efforts would be made to ensure that the routine activities of the people, especially of traders and businessmen, were least disturbed during the matches.

He said ‘zero route’ would be provided to the teams to ensure their security by containing traffic only during their movement from the residential places to the stadium and vice versa.

He said four-layer security would be ensured at the stadium and spectators would only be allowed to enter after a thorough checking process. The Covid-19 protocols would also be followed, he added.

Dev said round-the-clock monitoring of the residential places of teams, routes, matches and movement of players had been ensured through CCTV cameras, while snipers would be deployed on the rooftops of buildings during the matches.

He said search and sweep operations were also being conducted on a daily basis in the city, particularly around the stadium and in designated areas.

The CCPO directed the officers concerned to coordinate with related departments, including the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), district administration and law enforcement agencies to successfully implement the security plan.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2022

 

[gazza619]

Pakistan should win both the odis and t20s.

Pakistan never wins white ball series where it starts as the favourite.

 

[shamaan]

Pakistan never wins white ball series where it starts as the favourite.

That's actually a good point and your right

 

[shamaan]

Didnt he know before selecting the 20 man squad.. Yes 20 man squad for home series..

Probably he just copy paste his old PPT. He is just a show off, has no clue what he is a doing out there as chief selector..

Plucked Nauman and Sajid out from nowhere , they look terrible now in this series against top teams..

Nuaman and sajid were one of the top performers in qaid e azam

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Nuaman and sajid were one of the top performers in qaid e azam

Well, the selectors job is to go and watch the matches and see how they perform and assess their performance before selecting them for national side..

Not just look at the stats, add it in ppt and select them..

Imran Farhat has such a good FC record with more than 35 centuries and 15k+ runs, what did he achieve in intl cricket...

 

[shamaan]

Well, the selectors job is to go and watch the matches and see how they perform and assess their performance before selecting them for national side..

Not just look at the stats, add it in ppt and select them..

Imran Farhat has such a good FC record with more than 35 centuries and 15k+ runs, what did he achieve in intl cricket...

The selectors can't watch every game that's we're the the chief selector should communicate with the selectors from the domestic team.

I'f they don't take in consideration stats we will end up having more players like fawad.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

The selectors can't watch every game that's we're the the chief selector should communicate with the selectors from the domestic team.

I'f they don't take in consideration stats we will end up having more players like fawad.

If their job demads such work , then what work are they doing exactly.. And this PPT guy has some serious personal issue with Imad, and selects zahid as a replacement for Nawaz , and going with three leg spinners for a home series ..

 

[shamaan]

If their job demads such work , then what work are they doing exactly.. And this PPT guy has some serious personal issue with Imad, and selects zahid as a replacement for Nawaz , and going with three leg spinners for a home series ..

Like I said he knew zahid mahmood won't get selected in the xi but Imad wasim might get selected in the xi but that would mean Asif Afridi not getting a single game.