Pakistan-Bangladesh Test in Karachi to be Played Without Spectators

The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled for August 30 to September 3 in Karachi, will be played behind closed doors due to ongoing construction work at the National Stadium. The decision was made as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) stadium renovation project ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is also undergoing similar upgrades in preparation for Pakistan's first ICC tournament since 1996. The PCB opted to keep the Test in Karachi to distribute its home matches across three venues: Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi. Multan will host Pakistan's first Test against England from October 7.

The England Test scheduled in Karachi from October 15 is expected to have spectators in attendance. The PCB has suspended ticket sales for the first Test against Bangladesh with immediate effect, citing the health and safety of fans as its top priority.

"We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause, but we want to assure our valued fans that the ongoing stadium upgrades are aimed at enhancing their experience," the PCB said in a statement.

The Bangladesh squad arrived in Lahore four days ahead of schedule to begin training after their preparations were disrupted by political unrest in Bangladesh. The team will train at Gaddafi Stadium before traveling to Rawalpindi for the first Test, which begins on August 21.

Bangladesh's previous bilateral tour of Pakistan in 2020 was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming series marks their first full tour of Pakistan since 2003.

Tags: #PakistanCricket, #BangladeshCricket, #NationalStadiumKarachi, #GaddafiStadiumLahore, #ChampionsTrophy2025