The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the relocation of the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi. Initially scheduled for August 30th, the match will now be played in Rawalpindi, starting on August 21st. This decision stems from ongoing construction at the National Stadium in Karachi, which is undergoing a major redevelopment in preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
The PCB, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), deemed it necessary to shift the match due to the presence of heavy construction equipment and the need to adhere to strict construction timelines. The PCB expressed concerns about noise pollution and potential health risks for players, officials, and media personnel due to the ongoing construction.
With both Tests now scheduled in Rawalpindi, tickets for the matches will be available online and offline from Monday.
While the current shift involves the Bangladesh match, speculation surrounds the potential relocation of the second Test match against England, scheduled for Karachi from October 15th to 19th. However, the PCB has not confirmed any changes regarding the England match and stated they are working closely with construction experts to ensure a safe and secure hosting environment.
The PCB has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the National Stadium is ready for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, and the decision to move the Bangladesh Test reflects this priority. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ series in Islamabad will continue as planned, with the second four-day match starting on August 20th, followed by three 50-over matches on August 26th, 28th, and 30th.
