The ensuing three-match Test series against England for Pakistan became inevitable after they suffered an embarrassing defeat last week in a two-match Test series held at home against Bangladesh. The high-profile series may shift to either the United Arab Emirates or Sri Lanka as reported.
The series is supposed to kick off on October 7 in Multan, while two other red balls matches are planned for October 15-19 in Karachi and October 24-28 in Rawalpindi according to the initial timeline. However, it is highly likely that these matches will not be played there because of ongoing renovation works at both stadiums.
Upgrade works worth millions are going on at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to prepare them for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy (T20).
If construction works are interrupted in Karachi and Rawalpindi to accommodate this series as reported in Cricket Pakistan last Thursday (September 5), then the preparation of stadiums for Pakistan’s first significant ICC event since 1996: The ODI World Cup will suffer greatly. Alongside this problem comes the anticipated influx of English Barmy Army supporters who have added further dimensions to the logistics of hosting matches without an audience being present.
The second Test match was initially intended to be played in the city of Karachi; however, it got shifted into Rawalpindi because construction works were still ongoing at the National Stadium.
In fact, it would seem that Pakistan has a particular preference when it comes to hosting their Test matches in UAE, but since there is an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup due between October 3rd and 20th, two red ball games cannot be played at either Dubai or Sharjah and this leaves only Abu Dhabi among possible venues for such a series. Therefore, PCB officials are even looking at Sri Lanka as another potential host. A final decision regarding this matter will be taken shortly after consulting with English Cricket Board (ECB).
