PCB Moves Pakistan vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Match from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to Karachi Stadium upgrades. This decision is driven by ongoing renovations work at Karachi’s National Stadium, aimed at preparing the venue for the Champions Trophy 2025.
“To ensure the stadium is ready for the Champions Trophy 2025, continuous construction at the National Stadium must proceed without interruption,” stated the PCB on Sunday. “After consulting with stakeholders and assessing operational and logistical factors, the decision has been made to host both Tests in Rawalpindi.”
This development follows the PCB’s recent decision to ban spectators from the second Test, initially scheduled for August 30 to September 3, 2024 in Karachi. Ticket sales have been halted, and the PCB will issue full refunds to fans who have already purchased tickets, which will be automatically processed and credited back to their accounts.
The PCB has allocated Rs 12.80 billion for major upgradation projects at Karachi’s National Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium in preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025. Recently, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi approved the design plans for these venues during a visit to BDP Pattern’s London office.
The Karachi stadium will undergo a two-phase renovation, with the addition of a new building featuring VIP boxes, media boxes, and family areas. The second phase will include the installation of a comprehensive roof across the stadium.
In the meantime, construction at the National Stadium has led to the revamping of the scoreboard building and enclosures for Iqbal Qasim and Naseem-ul-Ghani.
The PCB’s decision to move the match to Rawalpindi, which will also host the first Test from August 21 to 25, 2024 was influenced by concerns over noise pollution and dust from ongoing construction affecting players, officials, and media.
The series between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh A will proceed as scheduled in Islamabad.
