Featured image credit: King Eliot/CC BY-SA 4.0/Edited for size
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has relocated its second Test match against Bangladesh to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium due to ongoing redevelopment work at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.
The PCB has taken the decision due to the deployment of heavy construction equipment at National Bank Stadium (pictured), which is being renovated for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.
The relocation has been agreed following consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has a capacity of 15,000, less than half of the 34,000-capacity National Bank Stadium.
The PCB had originally announced that the Test match would be held without fans at National Bank Stadium but the decision has now been taken to relocate the fixture. The Test will take place from August 30 to September 3.
Rawalpindi is already hosting the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh from August 21-25.
A statement from the PCB said: “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.
“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.
“At this stage, we will not like to speculate on the hosting of the second Test (against England) 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.”
Next year’s ICC Champions Trophy, which will be contested by eight teams across one-day internationals, will mark the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan since 1996.
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