PAK vs BAN: The start of the two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is all set to take place on August 20. The first match will be held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the second PAK vs BAN game was supposed to be played at the National Stadium in Karachi.
However, just a couple of days ahead of the start of the first Test, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a major change in the schedule of the upcoming series. As per the latest update, the PCB has changed the venue of the second test.
The second PAK vs BAN Test has been shifted to Rawalpindi. That means both matches will now take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
PAK vs BAN: PCB shifts second Test from Karachi to Rawalpindi
The PCB made the announcement on Sunday (August 18) about the shifting of the venues. This decision was made because of the ongoing construction related work happening at National Stadium.
Pakistan are the official host of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, and the PCB is making necessary renovations and changes to all the venues for the mega event in February-March 2025.
The PCB announced through a press release and said, “Given that construction must continue uninterrupted to ensure the venue is operationally ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB, after consulting all stakeholders and reviewing operational and logistical matters, has decided to hold both Tests in Rawalpindi.”
The National Stadium will also host a test match against England in October. It will be the second Test of the series, which will be played between October 15-19. Pakistan are set to play nine Tests in the coming 5-6 months.
Seven of those are home matches. Pakistan are currently sitting fifth on the World Test Championship table. Shan Masood and co. will hope for a better show in the upcoming PAK vs BAN Test series, which will set the tone for the team for the coming Test season.
Earlier, Pakistan released top-order batter Kamran Ghulam and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed from the squad for the first test. These stars will join Pakistan Shaheens for the coming four-day game against Bangladesh A. They will rejoin the team ahead of the second PAK vs BAN Test on August 30.
