National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan
Featured image credit: King Eliot/CC BY-SA 4.0/Edited for size
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that Multan will step in to stage two Tests during England’s forthcoming tour, with Karachi replaced due to redevelopment work at its National Bank Stadium.
Today’s (Friday’s) announcement from the PCB comes just 17 days ahead of the tour commencing. The second Test, which was originally planned for Karachi from October 15-19, will now be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The remaining two Tests will be played as originally planned, October 7-11 in Multan and October 24-28 in Rawalpindi.
The second Test has been shifted from Karachi to Multan as the National Bank Stadium is undergoing a major facelift for Pakistan’s staging of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will also be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The PCB last month relocated Pakistan’s second Test against Bangladesh to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium due to the ongoing redevelopment work at National Bank Stadium. At that stage, the Board said it would “not like to speculate” on the hosting of the second Test against England.
The uncertainty surrounding the England series had led to suggestions Karachi’s Test could even be moved to Abu Dhabi, but Multan has now been lined up for back-to-back fixtures.
Usman Wahla, PCB’s international director, said: “PCB is thrilled to welcome the England men’s cricket team back to Pakistan. Despite minor adjustments, we are committed to supporting fans and ensuring a memorable tour. We look forward to a fiercely competitive Test series and showcasing Pakistan’s renowned hospitality.”
Next year’s Champions Trophy, which will be contested by eight teams across one-day internationals, will mark the first International Cricket Council (ICC) event hosted by Pakistan since 1996.
BDP Pattern was last month appointed by the PCB to improve the infrastructure at National Bank Stadium, Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
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