Post by : Maya Rahman

In a recent announcement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the upcoming tri-nation T20 series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, will now be entirely held in Rawalpindi. The tournament is set to kick off on November 18, culminating with the final match on November 29.

This change is a direct response to the suicide bombing in Islamabad that claimed 12 lives, prompting safety concerns for the visiting teams. Initially, five matches were intended to be played in Lahore, but the PCB opted to relocate the entire event to Rawalpindi due to operational and security issues.

The PCB clarified in its official statement that the new schedule was established after discussions with both Sri Lanka Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket, ensuring that all operational and match needs were met. This series is viewed as a vital preparatory event ahead of the T20 World Cup next year, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host.

Commencing immediately after the ongoing one-day international series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the last two ODIs will take place in Rawalpindi this Friday and Sunday. Centralizing cricket activities in one location aims to mitigate logistical challenges and bolster player safety.

The PCB’s decision comes after concerns voiced by several Sri Lankan players who contemplated returning home following Tuesday's bombing. Nonetheless, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board mandated all players and staff to remain in Pakistan and complete their tour as planned, with warnings of disciplinary actions for any departures.

Since Rawalpindi and Islamabad are twin cities located just 20 kilometers apart, the security status in one impacts the other. The PCB has assured all teams involved that substantial security measures are in place to safeguard them throughout the series.

Pakistan's capability to host international cricket has been repeatedly questioned due to safety issues. A notable incident occurred in 2009 when gunmen attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, resulting in injuries to several players and officials. Subsequently, Pakistan had to stage its 'home' matches in the UAE for years.

However, in recent years, Pakistan has gradually rehabilitated its image as a secure host for cricket. Enhanced security measures in key cities and the return of test cricket in 2019, marked by Sri Lanka's tour, have encouraged more international teams to come back.

The PCB also noted that Afghanistan, initially part of the tri-series, withdrew last month due to the tragic deaths of three Afghan cricketers in Paktika province, attributed to military action. Zimbabwe was then invited to fill their spot, finalizing the three-nation lineup.

This tri-series will present several critical matches among the three teams, providing essential preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup. Analysts believe this series offers teams the chance to test their combinations, refine bowling and batting lineups, and build momentum for the global event.

Despite the challenges, PCB officials are optimistic about a smooth conduct of the series. They expressed gratitude towards Sri Lanka Cricket and Zimbabwe Cricket for their collaboration, underscoring a shared commitment to sustain international cricket in Pakistan.

The concluding match of this tri-nation series will take place on November 29, marking the end of an impactful cricketing month for Pakistan and epitomizing the nation’s resilience in restoring its status as a prime host for international cricket after numerous setbacks.

#Sports News