Pakistan Cricket Board to host Second Test vs Bangladesh in Karachi without spectators; reason revealed

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to host the second Test of the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh behind closed doors.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided due to the ongoing renovation work at the National Stadium in Karachi for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has invested 17 billion Pakistani rupees to upgrade stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

The 2025 Champions Trophy will be the first major international cricket event in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. Pakistan last cohosted the ICC tournament in the 1996 ODI World Cup.

The Men in Green will face Bangladesh in the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, starting on August 21.

The second and final match is set to be played at the National Stadium in Karachi from August 30 to September 3. Notably, the series is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.

Health And Safety Of Our Fans Is Our Utmost Priority - PCB

On Wednesday, August 14, the PCB announced that the second Test will be played behind closed doors due to ongoing construction work at the National Bank Stadium.

The PCB highlighted that the health and safety of fans were crucial factors in making this decision.

"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 stated that ticket holders for the second Test will receive automatic refunds, with amounts credited to their original payment.

The PCB expressed regret for any inconvenience and assured fans that the stadium upgrades aim to improve the venue for future events, including the Champions Trophy.

Jason Gillespie To Take Over Charge Of Pakistan Test Team

The upcoming Test series is vital for Pakistan as they aim to recover from a 0-3 defeat to Australia and get back in the World Test Championship race.

Pakistan is fifth in the WTC 2023-25 standings with a PCT of 36.66%. The Men in Green have lost three out of the five Test matches they have played in the cycle.

The upcoming series will be the first under new red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie. It will also be Shan Masood's first Test series as captain on home soil after replacing Babar Azam.

Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has been named vice-captain of the Test squad, replacing left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi.

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