Here's why the PCB changed the venue of the 2nd Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test from Karachi to Rawalpindi
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday, August 18, announced the venue of the second Pakistan-Bangladesh Test has been changed from the National Bank Stadium in Karachi to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. As a result, both the Tests of the two-match series will now be played in Rawalpindi.
The first Test of the Pakistan-Bangladesh series will be held from August 21 to August 25, while the second will be played from August 30 to September 3. The build-up to the series had been dominated by talks around civil protests in Bangladesh. Subsequently, it was reported that the second Test in Karachi would be played without fans due to ongoing construction work at the stadium.
The decision received some backlash. On Sunday, the PCB released an official statement and confirmed that both the Tests of the Pakistan-Bangladesh series would now be played in Rawalpindi.
Explaining the reason behind the same, PCB said:
"Due to the deployment of heavy construction equipment and the need to adhere to tight redevelopment schedules for the National Bank Stadium, which is being prepared for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, has decided to move the second ICC World Test Championship fixture to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium."
With the second Test of the series also being moved to Rawalpindi, cricket fans in Pakistan now have a chance to enjoy the live action of both games from the stadium. Elaborating further on the decision to shift the second Test from Karachi to Rawalpindi, the official PCB release added:
“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."
The Pakistan Cricket Board explained that construction at the Karachi stadium must continue uninterrupted to ensure the venue is 'operationally ready' for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
PCB adopts wait-and-watch approach for Pakistan-England Test in October
The England cricket team is also scheduled to play a Test at the National Stadium in Karachi during their tour in October this year. PCB, however, stated that it was too early to speculate on whether or not the venue would be ready for the match.
“At this stage, we will not like to speculate on the hosting of the second Test 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,” the PCB release added.
England will play three Tests in Pakistan in October 2024. While the second Test is scheduled in Karachi, the first and third Tests will be played in Multan and Rawalpindi, respectively.