PCB Considers Moving Test Against England Offshore Due to Stadium Work
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing the possibility of relocating a Test match against England. The ongoing stadium renovations in Pakistan have raised concerns about the availability of venues for the series. Abu Dhabi has been considered as an alternative location, bringing back memories of when it served as Pakistan’s “home” venue during the team’s decade-long exile.
Renovations at Major Stadiums in Pakistan
Several stadiums in Pakistanare undergoing major upgrades. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Stadium are both in the process of renovations to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy next year. The Champions Trophy, set to take place in February 2025, marks the first major ICC event hosted by Pakistan since 1996. Rawalpindi Stadium, which recently hosted two Test matches against Bangladesh, is also being renovated. The PCB must ensure these stadiums are ready for the tournament, which is putting pressure on the ongoing work.
Limited Options for Test Venues
As a result of the renovations, Lahore will not host any matches until the Champions Trophy. Karachi, originally slated to host one Test in both the Bangladesh and England series, will not hold any matches until January next year, when Pakistan is scheduled to play against the West Indies. This leaves the PCB with only two available Test venues: Multan and Rawalpindi.
There is concern that hosting two Test matches at Rawalpindi could slow down the renovation work. If that happens, the stadium may not be ready for the Champions Trophy. While Faisalabad’s Iqbal Cricket Stadium will host the Champions Cup in September, it has not hosted a Test match since 2006, making it an unlikely option for the upcoming series.
Impact of the SCO Meeting on Venue Selection
An additional challenge for the PCB is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting scheduled for October 15-16 in Islamabad. With several international leaders arriving for the event, the security and accommodation demands in the area make Rawalpindi an unsuitable venue for the second Test. This limits the possible options if the entire series is to be played in Pakistan.
If the second Test cannot be held in Rawalpindi, Multan becomes the most realistic choice. The PCB may have to host consecutive Test matches in Multan, either for the first two Tests or the last two.
Abu Dhabi as an Alternative
With these constraints, the PCB is considering Abu Dhabi as an alternative venue for one of the Tests. Dubai and Sharjah are hosting the T20 Women’s World Cup during the same period, but Abu Dhabi will be available after an Ireland series against South Africa concludes on October 7. However, this would only work if the first Test’s schedule is adjusted.
Pressure to Finalize Venues
The PCB is under pressure to finalize the venues quickly. England is one of the most well-supported cricket teams, and a large number of fans are expected to travel to Pakistan. Logistical arrangements cannot be made until the venues are confirmed. England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, highlighted the importance of finalizing the venues so that his team can prepare accordingly.
“We don’t really know where the matches will be played,” McCullum said. “But we can’t pick a team until we know the venues. Hopefully, we’ll find out soon so we can make sure we have the right team for the right conditions.”
Busy Season for Pakistan Cricket
This venue issue comes during one of Pakistan’s busiest home seasons in recent history. In the coming months, the country will host seven Test matches, four white-ball internationals, the ICC Champions Trophy, and an expanded domestic schedule. The renovations at several venues were long overdue, and the Champions Trophy has accelerated the need for upgrades.
Conclusion
The PCB faces a tough decision regarding the relocation of a Test match against England. With ongoing renovations and the upcoming SCO meeting, the board is considering Abu Dhabi as a possible venue. The final decision will have a significant impact on both logistical planning and team preparations. Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the PCB’s decision on where the series will take place.
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