ENGLAND are seeking clarification regarding their upcoming Test tour of Pakistan, following reports suggesting that matches could be moved to another country.
Media reports from the region indicate that the schedule for the three-match series, set for next month, might change due to construction work at some of the planned venues.
Currently, England are scheduled to play the first Test in Multan on October 7, followed by games in Karachi and Rawalpindi. However, renovations ahead of the Champions Trophy next year are reportedly causing complications at the latter two venues.
There have been suggestions that one or more matches could be relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Sri Lanka, with the England and Wales Cricket Board awaiting further updates.
England coach Brendon McCullum spoke on the matter on Thursday at The Oval, ahead of the third Test against Sri Lanka. He stated, “We don’t really know (what is happening in Pakistan), but we can’t pick a team until we know where we’re going to play.”
He added, “It would be nice if, over the next couple of days, we found out.”
McCullum, a former New Zealand captain, also said, “Then we’ll sit down and make sure we’ve got the right team for the right conditions and the right opposition.”
England did not tour Pakistan between 2005 and 2022 due to security concerns, with the Pakistan Cricket Board hosting matches in the UAE during that period.
(With inputs from AFP)
Emma Raducanu during a practice session REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)