PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced that Pakistan will be the host for the complete three-Test series against England scheduled for October. After reviewing the ongoing development projects at Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi stated that the matches will take place in Multan and Rawalpindi.
According to Naqvi’s spokesperson, Mohammad Rafiullah, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has approved the venues of Multan and Rawalpindi. They expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made at these locations, ensuring the series remains in Pakistan.
The hosting of the series faced complications due to construction work at various cricket stadiums in Pakistan. Karachi, originally scheduled to host the second Test, will not be able to do so due to renovations at the National Stadium. Additionally, a Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Islamabad on October 15-16 has made it impossible to hold the second Test in Rawalpindi.
.Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
This led the PCB to consider shifting one of the Tests outside Pakistan, with Abu Dhabi being the preferred alternative. Pakistan last played their home Tests in Abu Dhabi in 2018 before returning to Pakistan for their home matches. However, the other UAE venues, Dubai and Sharjah, are unavailable due to the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Naqvi’s statements seem to dismiss the idea of playing any Test outside of Pakistan. However, the PCB has not yet officially announced the venues for the series, leaving the final decision pending.
There is growing pressure on the PCB to finalize the venues soon. A large number of England fans are expected to attend the series, and logistical arrangements cannot proceed without confirmed venues. England head coach Brendon McCullum also emphasized the importance of knowing the venues in advance to select the right squad.
England is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on October 2, with the first Test starting on October 7.
