Second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh set to be held in Karachi without spectators due to renovation for 2025 CT
The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled to be hosted by the National Stadium in Karachi, will be played in front of an empty stadium as renovations are underway to upgrade the venue for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The match is set to begin on August 30 and will be part of the World Test Championship (WTC) schedule.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allocated 17 billion rupees to renovate the stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The 2025 Champions Trophy marks the first major tournament to be played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup and the first ICC event since the 1996 ODI World Cup.
PCB released a statement on Wednesday, August 14, which confirmed that fans will not be able to watch the contest from the stadium due to the construction work on the premises.
"In light of ongoing construction work at the National Bank Stadium as part of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made the difficult decision to hold the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled from 30 August to 3 September, without spectators in attendance," the PCB's statement read.
“We understand the vital role that our passionate spectators play in cricket, providing inspiration and motivation to our players. However, the health and safety of our fans is our utmost priority. After careful consideration of all available options, we have decided that the safest course of action is to hold the second Test in front of an empty stadium," the statement continued.
The press release also mentions that fans who have already purchased tickets for the contest will be reimbursed while the sales for the unsold seats will be suspended immediately.
Karachi has hosted each of Pakistan's last three home Tests. The Men in Green have struggled at the venue in recent times, as they have drawn three matches and lost one in their last four appearances.
Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan set to begin on August 21
The upcoming red-ball assignment is crucial for Pakistan on several fronts. It presents an opportunity for the side to bounce back in the WTC race on home soil following a humbling 0-3 defeat to Australia away from home. It also marks the first series in charge for newly-appointed red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie.
The series opener between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played in Rawalpindi from August 21. It will be the first time that Shan Masood will lead his team on home soil since taking over from Babar Azam.