New Delhi: The upcoming two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh has seen a bit of change in its schedule. The second Test match that was scheduled to be played at the National Stadium in Karachi has now been moved to Rawalpindi due to the ongoing construction work at the venue in order to get it ready for the Champions Trophy 2025.
As per the original schedule of the two-Test series, Karachi was allotted to host the second Test between August 30 and September 3 and the match was to go on without any spectators due to the reconstruction, but now that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has moved the game to a new venue, fans will be able to flock the stands as well.
The PCB, in a press release, said, “we have been guided by the construction experts on the timelines for the readiness of the National Stadium in Karachi.” The experts advised that while construction could go on during play hours, the noise pollution would disturb the cricketers. Additionally, the dust from the construction site could also affect the health of the players, broadcasters, officials, and the media as well.
“Given that construction must continue uninterrupted to ensure the venue is operationally ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB, after consulting all stakeholders and reviewing operational and logistical matters, has decided to hold both Tests in Rawalpindi,” the release stated.
Kamran Akmal bashes PCB
Earlier, former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal slammed the PCB for hosting the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Karachi despite the ongoing construction work at the stadium. He complained about the decision as the PCB didn’t allow a crowd for the game. Akmal said that it is a joke for Pakistan cricket that matches are played without any crowd.
Even Akmal had a similar suggestion of arranging the game at some other ground as Pakistan have got other options as well. “So it will be a joke of Pakistan that Test matches are being played in Pakistan without a crowd. And we don’t just have 2-3 stadiums; we also have Faisalabad Stadium. We could have played there too, it is a top-class stadium. So much cricket has happened there,” Akmal said in a video on his YouTube channel.
The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh was scheduled to be held in Karachi but the ongoing construction work at the National Stadium has forced the PCB to move the match to Rawalpindi. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
