The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to shift the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi has drawn criticism from former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal. The move was necessitated by ongoing renovations at the National Stadium in Karachi, which is being prepared for the Champions Trophy.
Akmal expressed his disappointment with the PCB’s handling of the situation, calling it an “international mockery.” He pointed out that Pakistan has world-class stadiums beyond the three major venues (Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi) and could have hosted one of the Tests in cities like Multan or Faisalabad.
“We don’t just have 2-3 stadiums; we also have Faisalabad Stadium and Multan Stadium,” Akmal said. “These are top-class stadiums where much cricket has been played. The crowd also comes there. It would have been good to host a Test match at one of these venues.”
Akmal’s criticism stems from the fact that international cricket in Pakistan has been restricted to only three venues since its resumption following the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team. He believes that the PCB should have explored alternative options to avoid the embarrassment of playing Test matches without spectators.
The PCB had initially announced that the second Test would be played behind closed doors in Karachi, but later reversed its decision and shifted the game to Rawalpindi. Construction experts had advised the PCB that the renovations at the National Stadium could continue during playing hours, but the noise and dust produced by the work could distract and disturb the players.
The renovations at the National Stadium are part of a larger effort to prepare the venue for the Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is scheduled to host in 2025. The PCB is keen to ensure that the stadium meets international standards and provides a world-class experience for players and fans alike.
