Due to ongoing construction at stadiums in Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is exploring the option of relocating one of the Test matches from the upcoming series against England to a neutral venue. The development work at the local stadiums has prompted this consideration to ensure that the series proceeds smoothly without any disruptions. The PCB aims to provide a suitable environment for the matches and is weighing all available options to maintain the quality and continuity of international cricket in the series.
Pakistan Likely to Shift The Test Series Against England:
Abu Dhabi, which served as a key “home” venue for Pakistan during their extended exile from home grounds, is considered a backup location for one of the Test matches against England. With ongoing stadium renovations in Pakistan, Abu Dhabi stands out as a viable alternative, ensuring that the series can continue smoothly without disruption.
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Stadium in Karachi are currently undergoing significant renovations. The Rawalpindi Stadium, which recently hosted two Tests against Bangladesh, is also being upgraded. These extensive refurbishments are aimed at ensuring all venues are ready for the Champions Trophy scheduled for February next year.
As a result of these ongoing improvements, Lahore will not host any games until the Champions Trophy. Karachi, initially slated to host one Test in both the Bangladesh and England series, will remain inactive until the first Test against the West Indies in January next year.
Currently, Multan and Rawalpindi are the only venues available to host tests in Pakistan. While it’s probable that both grounds will accommodate all three Tests, staging two matches at Rawalpindi may delay ongoing renovations. This could affect the readiness of the stadium for the Champions Trophy.
Some Other Concerns to Play in Pakistan:
Faisalabad’s Iqbal Cricket Stadium is set to host the Champions Cup from September 12 to 29 and has recently gained recognition as a potential international venue. However, it has not held a Test match since 2006 and is unlikely to be considered for hosting a Test in the upcoming series.
Adding to the complexity, Pakistan is set to host a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Islamabad from October 15-16. The arrival of several high-level delegates for the event will necessitate heightened security and accommodation arrangements, making Rawalpindi an impractical choice for the second Test scheduled from October 15 to 19. This situation further complicates the logistics for the series.
If the series remains in Pakistan, Rawalpindi can only accommodate the first and third Tests, while Multan would likely host the second. Although Multan hosting both the first and second or the last two Tests is a viable option, it remains the only feasible venue for the second Test. This setup would require consecutive matches in Multan.
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With other venues busy, the PCB is contemplating alternatives, including Abu Dhabi. Dubai and Sharjah will host the T20 Women’s World Cup, relocated from Bangladesh. Abu Dhabi will also be occupied with an Ireland-South Africa white-ball series, concluding on October 7, the scheduled start date for the first Test. This overlap likely eliminates Abu Dhabi as a venue for the series’ opening match.
The stadium renovations align with Pakistan’s busiest home season in years, featuring seven Tests, four white-ball games, the Champions Trophy, and an extended domestic schedule. These much-needed upgrades, long-delayed at various venues, could no longer be postponed as Pakistan readies itself to host the Champions Trophy next year, ensuring the facilities meet international standards amidst a packed cricket calendar.
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