Pakistan-Sri Lanka 'A' series put off amid PTI protest in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Amid the political unrest in Islamabad, the Pakistan and Sri Lanka cricket boards decided to postpone the last two 50-over matches of the Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka ‘A’ series.

In a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the last two matches were scheduled for Wednesday and Friday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The PCB and Sri Lanka Cricket will collaborate to finalise new dates to complete the series, added the statement.

The Shaheens lead the series, having won the two four-day matches 1-0 and the opening 50-over match on Monday by 108 runs.

The development comes as Islamabad has been gripped by violence with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters clashing with the law enforcement agencies (LEAs).

The protesters, who marched towards the capital under the leadership of PTI founder Imran Khan's wife and other senior leaders, sought the release of their jailed leader among other demands.

Earlier today, the Interior Ministry issued a notification invoking Article 245, allowing the military to assist in maintaining order and deal with the miscreants with an iron hand.

The notification also grants the army authority to impose curfew wherever necessary to curb lawlessness.