PCB shifts second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh to Rawalpindi

In the wake of the ongoing construction work at the National Stadium in Karachi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to shift the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, which was scheduled to be played from August 30, to Rawalpindi. The development means that the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host both the Test matches in the series.

Earlier, the PCB had announced that the second Test will not be shifted from Karachi, but will be played behind closed doors (i.e. without fans) due to the ongoing construction work at the National Bank Stadium as part of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

However, four days after the announcement, the board has shifted the Test to Rawalpindi.

“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 PCB said in a statement.

“Given that construction must continue uninterrupted to ensure the venue is operationally ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB, after consulting all stakeholders and reviewing operational and logistical matters, has decided to hold both Tests in Rawalpindi.”

The National Stadium in Karachi is also scheduled to host the second Test of the three-Test series against England in October. The PCB said that, at this point, there is no guarantee that the said encounter will not be shifted to a different venue.

“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.”

The two-Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, which is a part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, will be Pakistan’s first red-ball assignment since the three-match Test series against Australia towards the end of last year. 

The series will kick-off on August 21 (Wednesday) in Rawalpindi. 

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