The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled for August 30 to September 3 at the National Stadium in Karachi, will be played behind closed doors. The decision comes as the stadium is undergoing construction work as part of the PCB’s efforts to renovate its venues ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The PCB is keen on spreading its home Tests, ODIs, and domestic cricket across three venues in Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi. However, with the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore undergoing an upgrade, it was ruled out as a venue until February 2025. Multan, which was the only other option, is already scheduled to host Pakistan’s first Test against England from October 7.
Moving the Test to another venue at this late stage would have incurred significant losses, considering payments had already been made for hotels, flights, and security arrangements. Therefore, the PCB decided to keep the Test in Karachi, albeit without spectators.
The upgrade at the National Stadium is part of the PCB’s efforts to ensure its venues meet international standards ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March. The tournament will be Pakistan’s first ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
While the Test against Bangladesh will be played without spectators, the England Test scheduled in Karachi from October 15 is expected to be played with spectators.
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