The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided on Sunday to move the second Test against Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to ongoing renovation work at the National Stadium. This decision was made after discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The first Test is scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi from August 21.
Initially, the PCB had announced that the second Test (from August 30 to September 3) would be played in a vacant stadium in Karachi. The renovation of the National Stadium in Karachi is part of preparations for Pakistan’s hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy next year. According to a statement from the PCB, “Our construction experts informed us about the timeline for the venue’s preparation. They advised that construction could continue during the match, and the noise could disrupt the players.”
The statement continued, “Additionally, dust from the construction could affect the health of players, officials, broadcasters, and media.” However, after the match was moved to Rawalpindi, it was not clarified whether spectators would be allowed or if the stadium would remain empty. With fans expected to attend the first Test, there is a possibility that the second Test could also see spectators.
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The PCB faced criticism from several former cricketers for deciding to play the match in an empty stadium. Ticket prices for the first Test in Rawalpindi start at 15 Pakistani rupees. Bangladesh will play a two-Test series against Pakistan under the ICC World Test Championship. The first Test will be held in Rawalpindi from August 21 to 25, and the second Test from August 30 to September 3, also in Rawalpindi. This series is crucial for both teams in the context of the World Test Championship.
