ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted the second Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to ongoing renovations and upgradation work at the National Stadium.
The decision to shift the match to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, as per the PCB, was taken after consultation with construction experts and all stakeholders.
The development comes days after the board announced its decision to prohibit spectators in the second Test which was set to take place from August 30 to September 3 in Karachi.
Furthermore, the ticket sales for the match were also suspended with PCB saying that the fans who had already purchased tickets would receive a full refund, which would be automatically processed and credited back to their accounts.
It is to be noted that the board, while allocating Rs12.80 billion, has undertaken major upgradation of Karachi’s National Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium which are set to host Champions Trophy 2025.
Earlier this week, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi approved the venues’ designs during his visit to BDP Pattern’s London head office, a renowned architectural company based in the United Kingdom.
The design of Karachi’s stadium, which has come to the fore, indicates that the stadium will be renovated in two phases and hints that a fresh building will be built right in front of the main structure. Reports suggest that the new infrastructure will host VIP boxes, a gallery, media boxes and boxes for families of those playing. The two dressing rooms can also be shifted to the new building.
