Second Test Between Pakistan And Bangladesh Moved From Karachi To Rawalpindi

New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi because renovation of the Karachi National Stadium is ongoing. Preparation for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy is at country’s biggest stadium, which has forced the PCB to make the change. The second Test was originally scheduled for Karachi from August 30 to September 3 and because of renovation going on at the venue, a change had to be made. Earlier, the PCB had already ruled out allowing spectators for the Karachi Test.

The construction experts told the PCB, however, that definitely the construction work would distract the players due to noise and dust if it was allowed during playing hours.

“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. 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,” PCB said in a statement on Sunday.

“Additionally, the dust from the construction work could also affect the health and well-being of the players, officials, broadcasters, and media. 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 statement added.

Karachi is also set to host the second Test between Pakistan and England from October 15 to 19. While speaking on the subject, PCB said, “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.”

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed.