The second Test of the upcoming Pakistan-Bangladesh series has been shifted from Karachi to Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh are touring Pakistan for a two-Test match series starting August 21. The Tests were scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi and Karachi, before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the Karachi Test, supposed to start from August 30, would be played behind closed doors due to construction work in the stadium.
Both Tests to be played in Rawalpindi
However, four days since the announcement, PCB made a post on social media advertising for tickets for the Test series, where they mentioned "Both ICC World Test Championship matches to be held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium".
Soon afterwards, an official statement was released for the change in venues, which stated: "Due to the deployment of heavy construction equipment and the need to adhere to tight redevelopment schedules for the National Bank Stadium, which is being prepared for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, has decided to move the second ICC World Test Championship fixture to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium."
The statement further added: “We have been guided by the construction experts on the timelines for the readiness of the venue. They advised that while construction could continue during playing hours, the resulting noise pollution would disturb the cricketers. Additionally, the dust from the construction work could also affect the health and wellbeing of the players, officials, broadcasters, and media."
The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played without spectators due to construction work, the PCB has confirmed.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 14, 2024
READ: https://t.co/m7hE4rrvsL#PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/2NuA7cOhsS
No call made on the Karachi Test against England yet
England will tour Pakistan for three Test matches later this year, the second of which is scheduled in Karachi between October 15 and 19. The PCB statement mentioned that decision on hosting the game in Karachi will be taken in due course of time.
"At this stage, we will not like to speculate on the hosting of the second Test in Karachi from 15-19 October and will continue to work closely with the architects and construction experts on the safe and secure hosting of the match, while keeping the England and Wales Cricket Board updated."
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