Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a dilemma as ongoing stadium renovations threaten to disrupt the upcoming Test series against England. With Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Stadium undergoing major overhauls, the PCB is considering moving one Test offshore.
Abu Dhabi, a former “home” venue for Pakistan during their exile, has emerged as a potential alternative. However, the city is hosting an Ireland-South Africa series until October 7, which could rule out the first Test.
Rawalpindi Stadium, which hosted the Bangladesh Tests, is also undergoing renovations in preparation for the Champions Trophy in February 2023. Hosting two Tests in Rawalpindi could delay the work, potentially impacting the tournament.
Multan and Rawalpindi remain the only viable venues in Pakistan for Tests. However, hosting two Tests in Rawalpindi could be problematic due to security and accommodation demands during the Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) meeting from October 15-16.
The PCB is also considering Faisalabad’s Iqbal Cricket Stadium, which will host the Champions Cup in September. However, it has not hosted a Test since 2006.
The PCB is under pressure to finalize venues as England fans are expected to attend the series. England head coach Brendon McCullum has emphasized the need to know the venues in advance to select the appropriate squad.
The stadium upgrades coincide with Pakistan’s busiest home season in decades, with seven Tests, four white-ball internationals, the Champions Trophy, and an expanded domestic calendar. The upgrades are long overdue but have become essential as Pakistan prepares to host the Champions Trophy next year.
