Tuesday’s meeting between the PCB chairman, the UK high commissioner and Imran Khan is thought to have given the Pakistan board of Control assurances that a planned political rally won’t interfere with the Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and England.
Since Imran’s political party, the Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), made it clear that it intended to organise a lengthy protest march with its supporters onto Islamabad. It is the location of the series opener, scheduled to begin at Pindi Stadium on December 1, has been up in the air.
ENG TOUR OF PAK: Protest Continues at Rawalpindi
Following Imran’s attempted assassination in Wazirabad on November 3, the march was postponed earlier this month. This week, it is scheduled to pass through Rawalpindi. It is 20 kilometres from Islamabad.
Imran declared over the weekend that he would take part in the march beginning on November 26 in Rawalpindi before moving on to the capital. The same evening, England is due to depart from Abu Dhabi for Islamabad.
ENG TOUR OF PAK: Back Up Planned for Rawalpindi Test
The PCB does have a backup schedule in place, which calls for Karachi to host the first Test. Over the weekend, they did, however, reiterate their commitment to moving forward with Rawalpindi.
Imran was visited by PCB chairman Ramiz Raja and high commissioner Christian Turner at his Lahore home in Zaman Park, where the former prime minister is recuperating from injuries to his right leg received in the assassination attempt.
The conference itself is a sign of Imran’s continuous impact. Despite the fact that he is no longer in office, he has an effect on Pakistan’s present political landscape. Since being ousted in April of this year, he has been advocating for new elections. He has rallied his support base in support of him. Although security around Imran will increase. He previously told the Telegraph that he anticipates another attempt on his life. This lengthy march anticipates to draw sizable crowds.
ENG TOUR OF PAK: Imran Khan‘s Role
Imran, who served as Pakistan’s most successful captain before being removed from office, will be acutely aware of the timing of his rally. And also about its potential effects on England’s series. It is their first Test tour of the country since 2005. Imran also served as the PCB’s board patron.
Imran is thought to have reassured Ramiz and Turner that the long march won’t have an impact on the Rawalpindi Test. It is in schedule to begin in less than a week.
The series then travels to Multan (December 9–13) and Karachi (December 17–21) for the last Test after Rawalpindi.
