Pakistan-Sri Lanka series: Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metrobus suspended

Metrobus service to face temporary suspension

Metrobus services between Islamabad and Rawalpindi will be temporarily suspended whenever the cricket teams are transported between their hotels and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The restriction will affect the route between Saddar Station and Pak Secretariat during team movements.

According to Metrobus sources, the restrictions have been introduced on the instructions of the district administration as part of security arrangements for the international cricket series.

However, the Metrobus system will not remain suspended continuously throughout the entire security period.

Instead, services will be suspended when required, particularly during the movement of the teams.

Three Metrobus stations to remain closed

Some stations along the Rawalpindi route will also face temporary closures during the matches. The Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, IJP Road and Sixth Road stations are expected to remain closed to passengers during the relevant security restrictions.

The closures are aimed at facilitating the movement of the visiting and home teams while maintaining security around the stadium and surrounding routes. The measures could affect passengers travelling between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, particularly those who rely on the Metrobus for their daily commute.

Security restrictions extend beyond T20I series

The broader security restriction period reportedly runs from October 4 to November 13. However, this does not mean the Metrobus service will remain suspended throughout the entire period.

The service is expected to operate normally when there are no team movements or security requirements affecting the route. The restrictions are linked to a busy period of international cricket in Rawalpindi, with several matches scheduled at the stadium over the coming weeks.

Sri Lanka squad arrives in Islamabad

The Metrobus restrictions come as Sri Lanka begins preparations for its Pakistan tour. The first 13-member contingent of the Sri Lankan team has arrived in Islamabad ahead of the T20I series.

The group includes eight players and five members of the team management.

T20I captain Kusal Mendis, former captain Dasun Shanaka, spinner Maheesh Theekshana and fast bowler Eshan Malinga were among the players who arrived with the first group.

Other players in the first contingent include Kamindu Mendis, Lahiru Udara, Chamindu Wickramasinghe and Dunith Wellalage.

The remaining members of the squad and team management are scheduled to arrive in Islamabad in separate groups before the opening match.

Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20I series begins October 9

Pakistan and Sri Lanka will play three T20Is at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The first match is scheduled for October 9, followed by the second T20I on October 11.

The third and final match will be played on October 13.

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All three matches will be held at the same venue, making security arrangements around the stadium and team movement routes a key consideration. The Pakistan Cricket Board has also confirmed that the T20I series is the opening part of Sri Lanka’s wider tour of Pakistan.

Rawalpindi to host more international matches

The security arrangements in the twin cities could continue to attract attention because Rawalpindi is scheduled to host more international cricket after the T20I series.

An ODI tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England is scheduled to begin on October 18.

The six-match competition will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the final scheduled for October 31 in Lahore.

Rawalpindi will also host the first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka from November 9 to 13.

The second Test is scheduled to be played in Lahore from November 17 to 21.

Passengers advised to plan journeys carefully

The temporary Metrobus restrictions could create difficulties for passengers who rely on the service for daily travel between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Because the closures are linked to team movements, the exact timing may vary according to security requirements. Passengers travelling through affected stations may therefore need to allow extra time for their journeys.

At present, the available information does not provide a detailed timetable for each suspension or specify alternative transport arrangements. Further instructions from the district administration or Metrobus authorities may provide more details closer to the matches.

Security remains a key focus during international cricket

International cricket matches require additional security measures, particularly when teams are travelling between hotels, training facilities and stadiums. The temporary transport restrictions are part of those arrangements in the twin cities.

While the measures are expected to be implemented only when required, commuters may experience short-term disruption during team movements. The situation is likely to remain under observation throughout the T20I series and the subsequent international fixtures in Rawalpindi.