Will PAK vs AUS ODI Series Be Cancelled After Quetta Terrorist Attack?

Pakistan and Australia are scheduled to face each other in a three-match ODI series later this month, with matches set to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore, which has two of the premier cricket stadiums in Pakistan. Australia are expected to arrive in Islamabad ahead of the opening ODI on May 30 as both teams continue preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup.

The series was announced earlier this month by the Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Australia, but recent security developments in Quetta and the Balochistan region might have suddenly created uncertainty around the tour. As a result, the fans are wondering if PAK vs AUS series cancelled this time around.

Will PAK vs AUS ODI Series Be Cancelled?

The latest concern comes after multiple terrorist attacks in Quetta and some regions of Balochistan reportedly left several people dead, including civilians and security personnel. Reports stated that armed groups launched coordinated attacks across the province, targeting police stations, security checkpoints and public areas. Quetta was among the worst-affected cities during the violence.

As of now, neither Cricket Australia nor the Pakistan Cricket Board has issued any official statement regarding cancellation or postponement of the ODI series. However, there is growing speculation around the future of the tour because of the security situation in the country.

There have been previous incidents of terrorist attack in Pakistan during cricket match. The PCB has repeatedly worked to convince overseas teams that security arrangements remain strong, but the latest developments could face the cancellation.

Pakistan, Australia Squads Begin Preparations

Pakistan have officially announced a 16-member squad, which has some of the best ODI batsmen, for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. Babar Azam returns to the side after missing the Bangladesh series earlier this year. However, the hosts have suffered a major setback as openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub have both been ruled out due to injuries ahead of the three-match series.

Some of the Australian players are still busy with the ongoing action in the Indian Premier League. Meanwhile, players like Mitchell Marsh, have already arrived to prepare for the upcoming series.