
The upcoming three-match Test series between England and Pakistan might be relocated from Pakistan because of ongoing stadium renovations. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is upgrading the stadiums in preparation for hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy in February.
With construction work happening at multiple venues, the PCB is working against time to find an alternative location for the Test series. Reports suggest that the series could be moved to either the UAE or Sri Lanka, with an official decision from the PCB expected soon.
Pakistan’s Home Advantage in Doubt as Test Series Could Be Shifted
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Initially, Dubai and Sharjah were the preferred locations for the Test series. However, these venues are now unavailable due to commitments to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which is set to be hosted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) later this year.
This leaves Abu Dhabi as the only option in the UAE, but the PCB is now reportedly considering Sri Lanka as an alternative due to the lack of available stadiums in Pakistan. PCB sources have confirmed that a final decision on the venue will be made soon. If the series is moved, Pakistan will lose their home advantage, which adds pressure following their recent 0-2 whitewash against Bangladesh.
PCB Exploring Sri Lanka for England Tests
Senior journalist Saleem Khaliq shared on X, “Due to the lack of available stadiums because of ongoing construction, the chances of the Pakistan-England series being moved to the UAE or Sri Lanka have increased. Dubai and Sharjah are unavailable due to the Women’s World Cup, leaving only Abu Dhabi. The PCB is also considering Sri Lanka as an option, with a decision expected soon.”
Pakistan recently suffered their first-ever Test series defeat against Bangladesh at home. The Tigers won the first Test by 10 wickets and followed up with a six-wicket victory in the second Test, leaving Pakistan reeling from the losses.
England to Play in Multan, Karachi, and Rawalpindi – If the Series Stays in Pakistan
England secured a memorable whitewash in Rawalpindi on September 3, and they are now set to return for another three-match Test series next month. The PCB had planned to host these matches in Multan, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
However, the ongoing renovations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy have made it challenging for the PCB to host these matches at home. The first Test is scheduled at the Multan Cricket Stadium on October 7, the second at Karachi’s National Stadium on October 15, and the third at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 24.
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