KARACHI: In a significant change to the upcoming Test series, the second match between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been relocated from Karachi to Rawalpindi. Initially scheduled to be held at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from August 30, the match will now take place in Rawalpindi, where the first Test is also set to be played starting August 21.
The decision to shift the venue comes in light of ongoing construction work at the National Bank Stadium as preparations ramp up for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), after consulting with construction experts and stakeholders, determined that it was in the best interest of the series to move the match.
Previously, the PCB had announced that the Karachi Test would proceed without spectators due to the construction work. However, with the relocation, fans in Rawalpindi will now have the opportunity to witness both Tests in person, adding to the excitement.
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While the Test matches have been moved, the series between the Pakistan Shaheens (A Team) and Bangladesh A will continue as scheduled in Islamabad.
This Test series is a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship, adding further importance to the matches. Bangladesh’s last tour of Pakistan for a Test series occurred in 2020, and this upcoming series promises to be another intense contest.
In a noteworthy development, Pakistan is set to field a unique bowling lineup for the first Test. For the first time in 28 years, the team will play without a specialist spinner in the XI, opting instead for an all-pace attack. The bowling unit is expected to feature the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, and Mir Hamza.
As the cricketing world turns its eyes to Rawalpindi, both teams will be eager to make their mark in what promises to be a compelling series.