The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently considering relocating the upcoming Test series against England to either Sri Lanka or the UAE due to ongoing renovations at cricket venues in Pakistan and associated logistical challenges. This decision follows a disappointing whitewash for the Pakistan team against Bangladesh at home, led by head coach Jason Gillespie and captain Shan Masood.
- Venue Challenges: The PCB faced difficulties when the second Test against Bangladesh had to be moved from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to construction work at Karachi National Stadium in preparation for the Champions Trophy next year. Other venues like Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium are also undergoing renovations, complicating matters further.
- Test Series Schedule: The three-match Test series against England is a part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. It is scheduled to begin on October 7 in Multan, with the second Test in Karachi on October 15 and the final match in Rawalpindi on October 24.
- UAE Hosting Considerations: If the series shifts to the UAE, Abu Dhabi would likely be the venue since the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will be held in Dubai and Sharjah from October 3-20.
- Ranking Impact: Following their recent defeats, Pakistan has slipped to eighth place in the ICC Test rankings, marking their lowest standing in the format since 1965, except for times when they did not have enough matches to qualify for the rankings.
This situation underscores the PCB’s dedication to ensuring that the series proceeds smoothly while navigating the challenges presented by venue conditions and security concerns. A final decision regarding the venue is expected to be made soon.
