ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has relocated the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to ongoing renovations and upgrades at the National Stadium. The decision comes as part of a broader effort to prepare key cricket venues for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
In a statement released on Sunday, the PCB explained that the renovations at Karachi’s National Stadium, which include significant structural upgrades, necessitated the shift. “Given that construction must continue uninterrupted to ensure the venue is operationally ready for the 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 said.
The announcement follows the PCB’s earlier decision to prohibit spectators at the second Test, originally scheduled to take place from August 30 to September 3 in Karachi. Consequently, ticket sales for the match have been suspended, and the board has assured that all purchased tickets will be refunded automatically.
The PCB’s renovation project includes a substantial investment of Rs12.80 billion for upgrading not only Karachi’s National Stadium but also Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi’s International Cricket Stadium, all of which are set to host matches during the Champions Trophy 2025.
Design plans for Karachi’s stadium, approved by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi during his recent visit to the BDP Pattern’s London office, reveal that the renovations will be executed in two phases. The plans include constructing a new building in front of the main structure, which will feature VIP boxes, a gallery, media boxes, and family boxes. Additionally, a roof will be added to the entire structure in the second phase of the renovation.
The PCB elaborated on the decision to move the Test match, stating that construction noise and dust could disrupt players and officials. “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 well-being of the players, officials, broadcasters, and media,” the board said.
Rawalpindi will now host both Tests in the series, with the first Test scheduled to begin on August 21. The PCB has assured fans that they will be able to watch the entire series, which will now be held at the Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Test series will feature an all-pace attack, with the team set to rely heavily on fast bowlers such as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.
The team’s squad includes only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, who has been released from the squad along with batter Kamran Ghulam. Both players will participate in the Pakistan Shaheens’ final four-day fixture against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Islamabad.
PCB’s statement also noted that Saud Shakeel, who will captain the Shaheens in place of Kamran Ghulam, will rejoin the national team for the first Test. Other national squad members, including Naseem Shah and Sarfraz Ahmed, will also return to the camp following their participation in the Shaheens’ match.
