The PCB said the postponement was due to “political activity” in Islamabad, Rawalpindi’s twin city and the capital of Pakistan. “The Pakistan Cricket Board in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket has postponed the last two 50-over matches of the Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka A series due to a political activity in the federal capital,” a PCB statement said. “The last two matches were scheduled for Wednesday and Friday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both boards will work together to finalize new dates to complete the series.”

The PCB had been worried about the impact the PTI protests would have on the series since the previous week. A few days ago, it announced that the first ODI, which was also scheduled to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground, would be shifted to the Islamabad Club. The remaining two games, according to the PCB, would have been played as scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground on November 27 and 29. The change of venue for the first match was seen as necessary because it was scheduled for November 25, the day after Imran Khan issued what he described as a “final call” to his supporters to march to the capital for to demand i.a. , his release from prison.

The protests, which have brought the capital to a standstill, have resulted in a tense battle between Imran’s supporters and the federal government. It has also demanded the attention of PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister.