Political unrest: Pakistan-Sri Lanka 'A' series postponed in Islamabad

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to postpone the final two 50-over matches of the Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka 'A' series due to ongoing political unrest in the federal capital.

The matches, originally scheduled for Wednesday and Friday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, will be rescheduled as both boards collaborate to finalize new dates.

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

The postponement comes amid rising tensions in Islamabad, where protests led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters have clashed with law enforcement agencies.

The protesters, marching under the leadership of PTI founder Imran Khan’s wife and other senior party leaders, have demanded the release of their jailed leader and other political reforms.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership seeks negotiations, a "hidden hand" is controlling events behind the scenes.

Addressing the media in Islamabad, Naqvi stated that the Inspector General (IG) has full authority to deal with the protesters as deemed necessary.

He explained that PTI had been offered the opportunity to protest at Sangjani but instead used the negotiations as a tactic to gain time and proceed with its own agenda.

The PTI leadership does not want bloodshed and is willing to negotiate. However, a ‘hidden hand’ is orchestrating everything from behind the scenes, he remarked, adding that this influence is the root cause of the unrest.