Pakistan Cricket Board creates massive drama just 3 days before Bangladesh Tests; shifts venue from Karachi to Rawalpindi

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to move the second Test against the Bangladesh National Cricket Team from Karachi. The governing body released the official statement that they will be staging the last game of the series will be played in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan will be hosting Bangladesh National Cricket Team in the two-match Test series. The first game of the series is scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi from 21st August while the second game so far is slated to be played at the Karachi National Cricket Stadium from 30th August.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently released an official statement that the second Test match, slated to take place in Karachi, will be played without the crowd. The decision was taken in light of the ongoing construction going on at Karachi's National Stadium to make the stadium fit for the ICC Champions Trophy, set to be played in February-March.

After the Pakistan Cricket Board announced that they would be playing the Karachi Test without spectators, they faced a lot of criticism. Various fans and experts lashed out at the Board, saying that playing the Test without spectators would be a joke to the entire nation.

However, in a turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board has now decided to host the second Test match in Rawalpindi. Notably, the first game of the series will be played there as well. The governing body, while talking about the venue change for the second, Test, stated that they were being advised by the construction experts to shift the game.

The PCB stated that noise created by the construction work, along with the dust, might trouble cricketers along with officials, broadcasters, and media. They mentioned that they want the venue to be operational for the Champions Trophy 2025, and after consultations with stakeholders, they made the decision. Releasing the official statement, they stated:

"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 well-being of the players, officials, broadcasters, and media.

“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."

Pakistan Cricket Board provides an update on the England Test in Karachi

Pakistan Cricket Board also talked about the possibility of a Test against England in Karachi on 15th October. He said that they would be working closely with workers and would keep the England and Wales Cricket Board updated. The statement added:

"At this stage, we would 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 statement concluded.