Summary:
- The second Pakistan-Bangladesh Test has been moved from Karachi to Rawalpindi.
- Ongoing construction at Karachi’s National Stadium is the reason for the venue change.
- The shift allows fans to attend, as the match was originally planned without spectators.
The second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, originally scheduled to be held in Karachi, has been relocated to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction at the National Stadium. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the decision, citing that the construction work is crucial for preparing the stadium for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. According to the PCB, the construction experts advised that while the stadium could technically remain operational during the renovations, the noise and dust generated by the work could disturb players and potentially affect their health, as well as that of officials, broadcasters, and the media. As a result, the board decided to move the match to ensure the comfort and safety of everyone involved.
Originally, the Karachi Test was set to be held without spectators due to the ongoing redevelopment, but the move to Rawalpindi now allows fans to attend the match. The first Test in the two-match series will also be held in Rawalpindi, starting on August 21, with the second Test following on August 30.
The PCB has a busy home season ahead, with seven Test matches and an ODI tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa. The upcoming Champions Trophy in February 2025 is particularly significant, as it will be the first ICC tournament hosted in Pakistan since the 1996 ODI World Cup. To ensure everything runs smoothly, the PCB has been diligently upgrading its stadiums across the country.
Karachi is still slated to host England in two months, but the PCB has not yet confirmed whether the construction work at the National Stadium will impact that series. The board remains in close communication with architects and construction experts, as well as the England and Wales Cricket Board, to ensure that the match can be hosted safely and securely.
While the PCB initially hoped to split the upcoming matches across three venues—Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Multan—the ongoing renovations have made scheduling a challenge. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium is also out of contention for this season’s matches due to its own upgrade work, expected to be completed by early next year. Despite these logistical hurdles, the PCB is focused on ensuring that all venues are ready for the high-profile events lined up on the cricket calendar.
