ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday announced a revised schedule of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship between Pakistan and England, changing the venue of the second Test beginning on October 15 from Karachi to Multan due to the renovation of the National Bank Stadium.
England will be visiting Pakistan from October 7 to 28 and play three Tests, with the first and second match scheduled to be held in Multan between October 7 and 19 followed by the third Test in Rawalpindi from October 24 and 28.
“The second Test, which was originally planned at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from Oct 15-19, will now be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium,” the PCB said in a statement. “The match has been shifted from Karachi to Multan as the National Bank Stadium is undergoing a major facelift for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”
The remaining two Tests will be played as originally planned in Multan and Rawalpindi, it said.
The PCB said it was thrilled to welcome the England men’s cricket team back to Pakistan.
“Despite minor adjustments, we are committed to supporting fans and ensuring a memorable tour,” it said. “We look forward to a fiercely competitive Test series and showcasing Pakistan’s renowned hospitality.”
The England cricket team last visited Pakistan in 2022-2023, marking their first tour in 17 years that consisted of seven Twenty20 International matches, followed by three-match Test series.
England won the Tests 3-0, achieving a historic clean sweep in Pakistan.
Prior to that, England’s last visit to Pakistan was in 2005. They were also scheduled to visit in 2021 but pulled out at the last minute due to security concerns after New Zealand canceled their tour.