Pakistan were expected to host England for three Test matches; at Multan from October 7, at Karachi from October 15, and at Rawalpindi from October 24.

According to a report in The Express Tribune, however, the series might have to be moved to either the UAE or Sri Lanka due to “incomplete preparation of cricket stadiums”.

Rawalpindi had hosted both Test matches of Pakistan’s recently concluded series against Bangladesh, after the second game had to be moved from Karachi. However, construction work is now going on in Rawalpindi (along with Lahore and Karachi) to get the venues ready for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The report mentions the UAE and Sri Lanka as potential alternatives. Two venues at the UAE, in Dubai and Sharjah, will host the Women’s T20 World Cup between October 3 and 20 after the tournament had to be moved from Bangladesh. However, Abu Dhabi, with two venues that have hosted Test cricket, can host the entire series. Alternately, the third Test can be played at one of Dubai and Sharjah.

The other option is Sri Lanka, with more venues. While monsoon may pose a problem, the Sri Lankan ground staff have earned a repute for their exceptional work amidst the conditions.

England had swept the series 3-0 the last time they had toured Pakistan, who have won four and lost six games since Test cricket returned to the country in 2019. Between 2009 and 2019, however, they won 15 and lost eight Tests in the UAE, while they beat Sri Lanka 2-0 in Sri Lanka in 2023.

With a PCT of 45, England are sixth on the World Test Championship 2023-25 points table, while Pakistan are eighth, with 19.05.

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