Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test Match Moved from Karachi to Rawalpindi Due to Construction
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to shift the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi. This change is due to ongoing construction work at Karachi National Stadium in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Initial Schedule
According to the initial schedule, the first Test was set to take place in Rawalpindi on August 21, and the second Test was to be held in Karachi from August 30 to September 3. However, due to construction, the second Test will now also be held in Rawalpindi.
Reasons for the Change
The PCB had initially barred spectators from attending the second Test in Karachi due to the renovations. Construction experts advised that the ongoing work could continue during playing hours, but the noise and dust would distract and disturb the players. The PCB, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, decided to move the match to ensure the players’ well-being and avoid any disruptions.
PCB’s Statement
In a statement, the PCB said, “Due to the deployment of heavy construction equipment and the need to adhere to tight redevelopment schedules for the National Bank Stadium, which is being prepared for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, has decided to move the second ICC World Test Championship fixture to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 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.”
The PCB also mentioned that the dust from the construction work could affect the health and well-being of players, officials, broadcasters, and media. Therefore, after consulting all stakeholders, the decision was made to hold both Tests in Rawalpindi.
Future Matches
Karachi is also set to host the second Test between Pakistan and England from October 15 to 19. The PCB stated that they will continue to work closely with architects and construction experts to ensure the safe and secure hosting of the match, while keeping the England and Wales Cricket Board updated.
Squads
Pakistan Squad
Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Hurraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Bangladesh Squad
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed.
Doubts Revealed
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) -: The Pakistan Cricket Board, or PCB, is the organization that manages cricket in Pakistan. They make decisions about where and when cricket matches are played.
Test match -: A Test match is a type of cricket game that lasts up to five days. It is the longest form of cricket and is considered very important.
Karachi -: Karachi is a big city in Pakistan. It has a famous cricket stadium called the Karachi National Stadium.
Rawalpindi -: Rawalpindi is another city in Pakistan. It also has a cricket stadium where matches can be played.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 -: The ICC Champions Trophy is a big cricket tournament that happens every few years. The 2025 tournament will be held in Pakistan.
construction -: Construction means building or fixing something. In this case, they are working on the Karachi National Stadium to get it ready for the ICC Champions Trophy.
distractions -: Distractions are things that can take your attention away from what you are doing. Construction noise and dust can be distractions for players.
health risks -: Health risks are things that can make you sick or hurt you. Dust from construction can be bad for your health if you breathe it in.
